“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
After these three phases are complete, the decision-makers decide to either approve, deny, or approve with conditions whatever it is that is being proposed. The decision can either be made at the final hearing or a later public meeting.