Question #
What is quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
Answer by Chad #
A quasi-judicial body is an administrative agency or entity that has the power to make legal judgments or decisions that are similar to those made by a court. These bodies are typically created by statute or legislation and are entrusted with specific powers and responsibilities to carry out the law.
Quasi-judicial bodies are different from regular courts in that they do not have the complete authority of a court of law. However, they have the power to conduct hearings, receive evidence, listen to arguments, and make decisions based on the facts of a particular case.
Concrete examples of quasi-judicial bodies include:
1. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): NLRB is an independent federal agency in the United States that acts as a quasi-judicial body. Its primary function is to protect employees' rights to organize and to determine whether unfair labor practices have been committed. The NLRB conducts hearings, issues rulings, and enforces its decisions, similar to a court.
2. Planning Commissions: In many countries, planning commissions or boards are established to oversee land use and zoning regulations. These bodies have the authority to hold public hearings, receive input from citizens and stakeholders, and make decisions on issues such as issuing building permits or granting variances. Their decisions can be appealed to a court, but, in the first instance, they act as a quasi-judicial body.
3. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The SEC in the United States is a quasi-judicial body that regulates the securities industry. It has the power to conduct investigations, take enforcement actions, and issue rulings on violations of securities laws. It can hold hearings to determine whether individuals or companies have engaged in fraudulent activities, impose fines or penalties, and bar individuals from participating in the securities industry.
In all of these examples, quasi-judicial bodies play a crucial role in applying and enforcing specific laws or regulations. They are designed to provide an avenue for resolving disputes or making decisions without burdening the regular court system with every matter that requires legal judgment.