contested case

[/kənˈtɛstɪd keɪs/]
nounpl: contested cases
caso contencioso
1. A legal proceeding in which there is a genuine dispute between parties, requiring formal adjudication or hearing before an administrative or judicial body
The administrative law judge must provide due process in a contested case.
O juiz de direito administrativo deve garantir o devido processo legal em um caso contencioso.
2. In administrative law, a dispute where a party seeks review of an agency decision and the agency denies, refuses, or contests the request
A contested case hearing was held to determine the validity of the license denial.
Foi realizada uma audiência em caso contencioso para determinar a validade da negação da licença.
3. A lawsuit or dispute where both parties present opposing arguments and evidence
This contested case will likely go to trial given the complexity of the claims.
Este caso contencioso provavelmente irá a julgamento dada a complexidade das alegações.
This is formal legal terminology used extensively in both Brazilian and American legal systems. In the USA, 'contested case' is specifically defined in many state administrative procedure acts (APAs) to trigger heightened due process protections. In Brazil, 'caso contencioso' refers to disputes handled through the judicial system as opposed to consensual or non-adversarial proceedings. The term is essential in administrative law contexts where agencies must provide hearings when parties dispute their decisions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
disputed caselitigated caseadversarial proceedingcontested matter
Antonyms / Antônimos
uncontested caseunopposed casedefault judgment

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caso contencioso
Standard legal terminology used in Brazilian courts and administrative proceedings
São Paulo
causa contenciosa
Alternative form used in São Paulo legal practice
Portugal
processo contencioso
Portuguese legal terminology; slightly different phrasing in European Portuguese law
USA
contested case
Primarily used in administrative law, especially in state administrative procedure acts

Related Words

litigationadjudicationadministrative hearingdue processcivil action

Related Idioms & Phrases

take a case to court
have a case to answer
settle a contested matter out of court
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