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How does the natural justice rule prevent someone from judging their own case?

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lampoon of Interstate Commerce Commission — Administrative law Cartoon depicting a uniformed Interstate Commerce Commission officer shining a large searchlight on U.S. railroad executive Edward Henry Harriman, who is struggling to carry a large load of packages and toy trains, some labeled “merger.”

In the context of administrative law, the principle that a person may not be a judge of their own cause is a fundamental doctrine of natural justice. This rule is designed to ensure impartiality and prevent bias in the decision-making process.1

By prohibiting an individual from adjudicating a case in which they have a personal interest, the rule safeguards the integrity of administrative procedures. It ensures that those responsible for making decisions—such as administrative tribunals or government officers—act with fairness and objectivity rather than based on self-interest or personal prejudice.12

To uphold these standards, administrative systems often incorporate procedural requirements that promote openness and impartiality, such as the right to a hearing and the opportunity to challenge potential bias. These mechanisms are essential for protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that government actions are not arbitrary.1