Definition

Noun: 1. A legal proceeding that is conducted impartially and in accordance with principles of justice: A "fair hearing" refers to a legal or administrative hearing where all parties are given a reasonable opportunity to present their case, evidence, and arguments before an unbiased decision-maker. It is a fundamental principle of due process. 2. An opportunity to be heard without prejudice: More broadly, it can mean any situation where someone is given a proper chance to explain their side of a story or defend their position in a just and equitable manner.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The court ruled that the tenant did not receive a fair hearing before the eviction.
  • Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing when accused of misconduct at work.
  • The committee promised a fair hearing for all proposals submitted.

Advanced Usage

• "to get/give someone a fair hearing": This phrase emphasizes the action of obtaining or granting the just opportunity.
  • Despite the controversy, the scientist was given a fair hearing for her unconventional theory.
• "a right to a fair hearing": Often used in legal and human rights contexts to describe a fundamental entitlement.
  • The constitution guarantees the right to a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal.

Variants and Related Words

• Hearing (n): A formal session, as of a court, legislative committee, or official body, to take testimony and gather evidence.
  • The congressional hearing lasted for three days.
• Due process (n phrase): The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, which includes the right to a fair hearing.
  • The lawsuit claimed a violation of due process.

Synonyms

• Impartial hearing: A hearing conducted without bias.
• Just hearing: A hearing that is fair and right.
• Equitable proceeding: A process characterized by fairness.

Related Phrases

• Fair trial (n phrase): A judicial proceeding that is conducted fairly, a closely related concept often used in criminal law.
  • The defendant's right to a fair trial is paramount.
• Right to be heard (n phrase): The principle that a person has a right to present their case before a decision is made.

Idioms

• "A fair crack of the whip" (British English idiom): While not identical, this idiom shares the concept of getting a fair chance or opportunity, similar to getting a fair hearing.
  • In this company, everyone gets a fair crack of the whip to prove themselves.

Noun

1. a hearing that is granted in extraordinary situations where the normal judicial process would be inadequate to secure due process because the person would be harmed or denied their rights before a judicial remedy became available (as in deportation or loss of welfare benefits)