Also known as: as if · resembling
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An adverbial prefix indicating that a thing resembles but is not identical to the thing named. It denotes legal fictions or analogies in which one concept receives treatment similar to another despite material differences.
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Quest Quail, a House member, introduced a bill imposing new import duties. The Senate added substantial amendments increasing the rates. When the President signed the amended version, Quinton Quimby challenged its validity on origination grounds. The court upheld the bill, noting that the Constitution's express allowance for Senate amendments functions in a manner analogous to quasi-amendments that preserve House origin.
Quintina Qualls testified on direct about a contract signing. On cross, opposing counsel asked about her prior inconsistent statements on the same topic. The judge permitted the inquiry as quasi-direct examination because it stayed within the subject matter and affected credibility.
Quade Quincy, an officer of Quintessential Goods, learned of a supply-chain venture. He disclosed all material facts to the board before pursuing it personally. The board's subsequent disclaimer treated the opportunity as quasi-disclaimed under the statutory safe-harbor procedures.
Queen Quintero sought a permit for a residence serving adults with intellectual disabilities. The city denied it solely because of neighbors' prejudice against the residents' condition. The court held the classification was not quasi-suspect and applied rational-basis review, striking down the denial for lacking any legitimate interest.
Quentin Quach told suppliers he was a partner in Quinn Industries. Relying on that representation, a vendor extended credit to the firm. The court held Quach liable as a quasi-partner to the relying creditor even though he never became an actual partner.
Quade Quintero's will directed distribution per capita at each generation to his descendants. At his death, two children survived and one predeceased leaving two grandchildren. The estate divided into three equal shares under the per-capita-at-each-generation rule, allocating one share to each surviving child and one combined share to the grandchildren.
Quasi signals resemblance without identity. It creates a legal fiction that applies rules from one doctrine to a closely analogous situation while recognizing material differences that prevent full equivalence.
Supporting sources
A classification receives quasi-suspect status when it involves groups that have faced historical discrimination but lack the immutable or politically powerless traits that trigger strict scrutiny. Rational-basis review still applies, though with added scrutiny against bare prejudice.
…were actually used by the public. Lewis § 178, at 246, and n. 3; see also Head, supra , at 18-19. They were common carriers—quasi-public entities. These were "public uses" in the fullest sense of the word, because the public could legally use and benefit from them equally. See Public Use Limitations 903…