A hearing is a formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of legal terms or of fact to be heard. Hearings are used extensively by legislative and administrative agencies.
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A '''hearing''' is a formal proceeding (generally less formal than a trial) with definite issues of legal terms or of fact to be heard. Hearings are used extensively by legislative and administrative agencies.
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In Congress a hearing is a meeting of a [[committee]] or [[subcommittee]] -- generally open to the public -- to take testimony in order to gather information and opinions on proposed legislation, to conduct an investigation, or review the operation or other aspects of a Federal agency or program.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/hearing.htm] US Senate Reference</ref>
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In Congress, a hearing is a meeting of a [[committee]] or [[subcommittee]] -- generally open to the public -- to take testimony in order to gather information and opinions on proposed legislation, to conduct an investigation, or review the operation or other aspects of a Federal agency or program.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/hearing.htm] US Senate Reference</ref>