fair / unfair

The rules of natural justice determine what is considered fair in an administrative structure. Natural justice is a concept that was developed in England in the 19th Century to define the rules for decision making. The concept of natural justice has evolved over time and is now often described as procedural fairness.

The basic components of natural justice are:

1)The right to know the case against you;

2) The right to an impartial and unbiased decision maker;

3) The opportunity to be heard;

4)The right to a decision and the rationale for that decision.

The Ombudsperson's 2005/2006 Annual Report has an article on making decisions fairly using the principles of Natural Justice.

For decision makers the Administrative Fairness checklist is helpful for determining if a decision has been made fairly.

Further reading on Natural Justice and Fairness:

The Principles of Natural Justice: The Place of Administrative Tribunals in Government Structure (Information from Service Canada)

Understanding Fairness (Manitoba Ombudsman)

Procedural Fairness in Ontario (NelliganO'BrienPayne)

"In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same." Albert Einstein