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  | Due 
process may mandate that certain individuals be given a hearing right before the agency 
can act.  There is no one type of due process hearing procedure, rather the agency must 
balance several factors.  Usually, something less than a full evidentiary hearing is required and 
the hearing is not required to be error free.  The minimal purpose of the hearing process is to 
give the individual notice and an opportunity to comment on the agency action.  The comment 
opportunity need not be in an oral hearing, an opportunity for a writing may be sufficient. |  | 
  | Minimal 
due process requirements are notice and opportunity to respond.  The opportunity to 
respond does not necessarily mean an oral response, a writing may be sufficient.  These 
minimal requirements, of course, have no application where a due process procedure is not 
required or where statutes apply greater obligations.  |  | 
  | The 
type of due process hearing is also dependent upon whether a property interest (more 
procedural protection) or a liberty, usually reputational interest (less procedural protection) is at 
stake.  The due process right that is granted is procedural, a hearing, rather than substantive. 
For example, due process may be invoked when the state discharges certain employees, 
repossess property, or proposes to terminate certain welfare benefits. |  | 
  | Due 
process requirements apply only to state action.  It has no application to private action 
when the state is not involved.  |  | 
  | The 
hearing might take place before the government has acted or it might follow government 
action.  This can be a critical issue for the party involved.  Due process does not require 
that 
every due process hearing take place before the government acts. |  | 
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