Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a procedure or set of procedures: Describes something that involves or follows an established process, method, or series of formal steps.
   • Relating to court practice and legal procedure: In a legal context, it pertains to the rules and methods governing the conduct of legal proceedings, as opposed to substantive law which defines rights and duties.

Usage Examples

• General Context:
  • The company has strict procedural guidelines for reporting safety incidents.
  • Making a formal complaint is a long and procedural process.
• Legal Context:
  • The defense lawyer raised a procedural objection, arguing the evidence was obtained incorrectly.
  • The appeal was dismissed on procedural grounds, not on the merits of the case.

Advanced Usage

• "Procedural fairness": Also known as natural justice, this refers to the requirement for fair procedures in decision-making, especially by administrative bodies or courts.
  • The judge emphasized the importance of procedural fairness in the hearing.
• "Procedural memory": A type of long-term memory involved in the learning of skills and habits (e.g., riding a bike).
  • Playing the piano relies heavily on procedural memory.

Variants and Related Words

• Procedure (n): A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.
  • The procedure for applying for a visa is outlined on the website.
• Procedurally (adv): In a way that relates to or follows procedure.
  • The case was handled procedurally correctly.

Synonyms

• Formal: Done in accordance with convention or etiquette.
• Methodological: Relating to the systematic methods used in a particular field.
• Administrative: Relating to the management of an organization or process.

Related Phrases

• Procedural error: A mistake made in the process or method of doing something, especially in a legal or official context.
  • The conviction was overturned due to a major procedural error.
• Procedural law: The body of law that sets out the methods and rules for enforcing rights and duties, as opposed to substantive law.
  • A good lawyer must be an expert in both substantive and procedural law.

Adjective

1. relating to court practice and procedure as opposed to the principles of law
   • adjective law
2. of or relating to procedure
   • a procedural violation