Natural justice refers to the principles and procedures that are considered fair and reasonable in judicial and administrative proceedings. The spelling of "natural justice" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈnætʃərəl ˈdʒʌstɪs/. The stress is on the second syllable of each word. The first word is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the second word with a schwa sound. The "j" in justice is pronounced like a "dzh" sound. The spelling of this phrase reflects its origins in the English language and the evolution of language over time.
Natural justice refers to the principles and procedural safeguards that govern the fair administration of law and legal processes in order to protect and uphold the rights of individuals. It embodies the fundamental principles of fairness, impartiality, and due process that are essential for a just legal system.
The concept of natural justice can be traced back to ancient legal traditions, and it has evolved over time to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and subjected to a fair process in legal disputes. It is rooted in the belief that every person should have an opportunity to present their case and be heard in a manner that is fair, unbiased, and in accordance with the law.
The principles of natural justice include the right to be heard, the right to impartiality, and the right to fair treatment. This means that individuals must have the opportunity to present their case and provide evidence, and they should be given a fair and unbiased hearing before an independent and impartial decision-maker. Additionally, natural justice also requires that decisions are made on the basis of relevant evidence and the application of the law, rather than being influenced by personal or extraneous factors.
Natural justice acts as a fundamental safeguard against arbitrary decision-making, ensuring that individuals are protected from unfair treatment and that their rights are respected. It is a cornerstone of the rule of law, guaranteeing that legal processes are conducted fairly and transparently.
The term "natural justice" derives from the Latin phrase "ius naturale" which means "natural law" or "law of nature". In ancient legal systems, including Roman law, "ius naturale" referred to a set of principles that were believed to be inherent to human nature and the natural order of things. These principles were considered to be universal and unchanging, regardless of specific legal codes or cultural norms.
Over time, the concept of "ius naturale" influenced the development of English common law, and the term "natural justice" began to be used to describe a fundamental principle of fairness and justice that should be applied in legal proceedings. It encompasses notions such as the right to a fair hearing, impartiality, and the right to be heard before judgment is given.
The etymology of the word "natural" itself can be traced back to the Latin word "natura", meaning "birth" or "essence".