Legal Definitions - ad hoc

Definition: Ad hoc means "for this purpose only." It comes from the Latin phrase "to this." An ad hoc committee or commission is created for a specific or one-time purpose to address issues that fall outside the scope of other existing committees or commissions. Ad hoc decisions are made based on the circumstances of a particular case.

• An ad hoc committee was formed to plan the company picnic.
• The school board created an ad hoc commission to investigate a recent bullying incident.
• During a crisis, the government may form an ad hoc committee to address the situation.

These examples illustrate how ad hoc committees and commissions are formed for a specific purpose and are not permanent. They are created to address a particular issue or situation that falls outside the scope of other existing committees or commissions. Ad hoc decisions are made based on the circumstances of a particular case, rather than following a coordinated policy.