What is Contested case hearing?

Contested case hearing is the name for quasi-judicial administrative hearings governed by state law. State agencies that make decisions that could affect people's "rights, duties, and privileges" must have a process for holding contested case hearings. The purpose of these hearings is to provide the decision-makers with the most complete and relevant information they need to make a proper decision. These hearings are like an informal court proceeding. They have three parts:

I. Pre-hearing: where the parties and scope of the hearing is decided

II. Hearing: where witnesses are called to testify and evidence is submitted

III. Post-hearing: where the parties propose and advocate for a particular outcome