natural justice
LowFormal, Academic, Legal
Definition
Meaning
The fundamental principles of fairness in decision-making, especially in legal or administrative contexts.
In philosophy, a system of law held to be inherent in nature and human reason, as opposed to laws created by humans (positive law).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a term, it refers to procedural fairness. In its extended philosophical sense, it denotes a universal moral law discoverable by reason.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British (and Commonwealth) legal systems, 'natural justice' is a core technical term for administrative law (procedural fairness). In the US, the equivalent concept is often referred to as 'procedural due process'.
Connotations
In British usage, it has strong technical, legal connotations. In American usage, it may have a more historical or philosophical connotation, referencing natural law theory.
Frequency
Far more common in British/Commonwealth legal and academic discourse. Used less frequently in contemporary American legal practice.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The {tribunal/court} must observe the principles of natural justice.It was a clear {breach/violation} of natural justice.{To do/Doing} that would offend natural justice.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Audi alteram partem (hear the other side) and nemo judex in causa sua (no one should be a judge in their own case) are the two pillars of natural justice.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In HR, dismissing an employee without a hearing may be seen as a breach of natural justice.
Academic
The philosopher argued that natural justice provides a framework for evaluating man-made laws.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation. Might be used to argue that a decision was fundamentally unfair: 'They sacked him without even telling him why. Where's the natural justice in that?'
Technical
The applicant's judicial review succeeded on the ground that the panel's failure to disclose evidence was a breach of natural justice.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The court will natural-justice this issue.
American English
- The committee must natural-justice the proceeding.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Natural justice is a difficult idea.
- The teacher listened to both students because of natural justice.
- The company's disciplinary procedure was criticised for not following the rules of natural justice.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NATURAL, innate sense of JUSTICE—the basic fairness everyone deserves, like the right to be heard.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAIRNESS IS A NATURAL LAW (Justice is a fundamental part of the world, like gravity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'природная справедливость'. The legal concept is 'принципы справедливости' or 'естественная справедливость' in philosophical contexts.
- The term is not about justice in nature ('справедливость в природе'), but about justice inherent in human reasoning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'justice served by nature' (e.g., 'Lightning struck him—that's natural justice!').
- Confusing it with 'social justice'.
- Using it in non-procedural contexts (e.g., for distributive justice).
Practice
Quiz
In which legal system is the term 'natural justice' most commonly used as a technical term today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Justice' is a broader concept. 'Natural justice' specifically refers to the procedural rules of fairness (right to a fair hearing, impartial tribunal) in decision-making processes.
1. Nemo judex in causa sua: No one should be a judge in their own case (rule against bias). 2. Audi alteram partem: The right to a fair hearing, which includes the right to know the case against you and the right to be heard.
In legal systems that recognise it, statutes can sometimes expressly exclude rules of natural justice, but courts will often interpret such exclusions very narrowly, favouring the principles of fairness.
No. Its roots are ancient, tracing back to Greek philosophy and Roman law. The term and its principles have been developed over centuries in English common law.