What does the principle of natural justice ensure?

The principle of natural justice is fundamentally concerned with ensuring fairness in legal proceedings. This principle is cornerstone to the legal process, particularly in administrative law, where it mandates that individuals affected by a decision have the right to be heard and to receive a fair and unbiased hearing. This means that all parties involved in a legal matter should have the opportunity to present their case and evidence, be informed of the accusations or claims against them, and have an impartial decision-maker.

When applied, natural justice helps protect individuals' rights by preventing arbitrary decision-making and ensuring that the process is transparent and just. This principle doesn't specifically guarantee legal representation, expedited decisions, or involvement from law enforcement; rather, it focuses on the fairness and equitability of the legal process itself.