Dictionary.net

Although in general it is a fixed principle in American constitutional law that judicial functions belong solely to the judiciary department, and the returning boards are allowed only ministerial functions, yet in Florida, South Carolina and Louisiana returning boards with judicial powers were constituted by the reconstructed State governments, by statute. This action, probably quite unconstitutional, led to the troubles of 1876, connected with the Presidential election. The returning boards used their judicial power to manipulate the returns to such a degree that the rights of the contest were practically indiscoverable.