|
|
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.
|
|
|
|