Administrative law as a branch of public law
Administrative Law as a Branch of Public Law
What is Administrative Law?
Administrative Law is the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. It is considered a branch of Public Law because it deals with the organization, powers, functions, and procedures of government agencies and their interaction with individuals and other branches of government.
Relationship with Public Law
Public Law regulates the relationship between individuals and the state, ensuring the government exercises its power lawfully.
Administrative Law is a subset of Public Law focusing on government agencies: how they make rules (rulemaking), enforce laws (enforcement), and resolve disputes (adjudication).
It serves as a check on governmental power by providing mechanisms for accountability, transparency, and procedural fairness.
Functions of Administrative Law
Delegation of Powers: Legislative bodies delegate authority to administrative agencies to implement detailed policies.
Rulemaking: Agencies make regulations that have the force of law.
Adjudication: Agencies resolve disputes through hearings and decisions.
Judicial Review: Courts review agency actions to ensure they are lawful and fair.
Important Case Laws Illustrating Administrative Law as Public Law
1. Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Facts:
William Marbury petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel delivery of his commission as a justice of the peace.
Issue:
Did the Supreme Court have the authority to issue the writ?
Holding:
The Court held that the law granting the Supreme Court the power to issue such writs was unconstitutional.
Significance:
Established judicial review — the power of courts to review and invalidate government actions that violate the Constitution.
Reinforced the role of courts in supervising administrative actions and government behavior.
Cemented administrative law as part of public law by making government accountable through the judiciary.
2. Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (1984)
Facts:
EPA interpreted a statute ambiguously to allow more flexible regulation of air pollution.
Issue:
Should courts defer to an agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutory provisions?
Holding:
Yes, if the statute is ambiguous and the agency’s interpretation is reasonable.
Significance:
Established the Chevron deference doctrine.
Recognizes agencies as specialized bodies with expertise, empowering them within public law to interpret statutes.
Balances agency discretion with judicial oversight, a key principle of administrative law.
3. Goldberg v. Kelly (1970)
Facts:
New York terminated welfare benefits without prior notice or hearing.
Issue:
Does due process require a hearing before termination of welfare benefits?
Holding:
Yes. The Court held that due process under the 14th Amendment requires a hearing before the termination of certain government benefits.
Significance:
Emphasizes procedural fairness in administrative decisions.
Highlights administrative law’s role in protecting individuals against arbitrary government action.
Connects administrative procedure to constitutional protections, reinforcing administrative law as public law.
4. Administrative Procedure Act (APA) – 1946 (Though not a case, foundational statute)
The APA codifies rules governing agency rulemaking, adjudication, and judicial review.
It establishes transparency, participation, and fairness standards for administrative actions.
Provides courts authority to review agency actions for arbitrariness, abuse of discretion, or failure to follow procedures.
5. Chevron deference— Skidmore v. Swift & Co. (1944)
Facts:
The National Labor Relations Board issued an interpretation of labor practices.
Issue:
How much deference should courts give to an agency’s interpretation?
Holding:
Court held that the weight of agency interpretations depends on their persuasiveness and consistency.
Significance:
Established the principle that agency interpretations are not automatically binding but should be considered according to their merit.
Forms the foundation for later Chevron deference.
6. Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe (1971)
Facts:
Citizens challenged the Secretary of Transportation’s approval to build a highway through a public park.
Issue:
Can courts review administrative decisions involving discretionary acts?
Holding:
Yes. Courts can review if an agency's action is arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion.
Significance:
Reinforces the principle of judicial review of administrative decisions.
Ensures agencies act within their lawful authority.
Protects the public interest against misuse of administrative discretion.
7. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (1983)
Facts:
NHTSA rescinded a passive restraint rule without proper explanation.
Issue:
Was the rescission arbitrary and capricious?
Holding:
Yes. The Court held that agencies must provide rational explanations for changes in policy.
Significance:
Clarifies standards of reasoned decision-making in administrative law.
Ensures accountability and rationality in administrative processes.
Summary
Administrative law is a branch of public law concerned with government agencies.
It governs how agencies create and enforce rules, adjudicate disputes, and are held accountable.
Cases like Marbury, Goldberg, Chevron, and Overton Park illustrate fundamental principles of administrative law: judicial review, procedural fairness, deference to agency expertise, and limits on discretion.
The Administrative Procedure Act codifies essential rules ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in administrative processes.
This body of law ensures that public power is exercised lawfully and protects citizens from arbitrary government action.
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