Nature and characteristics of Administrative Law
Nature and Characteristics of Administrative Law
What is Administrative Law?
Administrative Law is the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. It regulates the creation, organization, powers, and duties of administrative agencies and ensures that their actions comply with statutory and constitutional requirements.
Characteristics of Administrative Law
Delegated Legislation
Administrative agencies are empowered by the legislature to make rules, regulations, and orders which have the force of law. This is known as delegated legislation or subordinate legislation.
Quasi-Legislative Function
Agencies create rules that affect rights and duties, similar to legislative lawmaking but within limits set by statutes.
Quasi-Judicial Function
Agencies can adjudicate disputes, make findings of fact, and apply rules to specific cases.
Discretionary Power
Administrative agencies often have broad discretion in decision-making, allowing flexibility but requiring oversight.
Procedural Flexibility
Procedures are less formal than courts but must ensure fairness (due process).
Accountability and Review
Agency decisions are subject to judicial review to prevent abuse of power and arbitrariness.
Specialized Expertise
Agencies have expertise in specific fields (e.g., environment, labor), enabling technical and efficient decision-making.
Landmark Cases Illustrating Nature and Characteristics of Administrative Law
1. Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (1984)
Issue: The extent of judicial deference to agency interpretations of statutes.
Ruling: Established the Chevron Doctrine, where courts defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes.
Significance: Emphasizes agencies’ quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions, recognizing their expertise and discretion.
2. Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (1983)
Issue: Whether an agency’s rulemaking decision was arbitrary and capricious.
Ruling: The Court held that agencies must provide reasoned explanations for policy changes.
Significance: Reinforces accountability and requirement for reasoned decision-making in agency actions.
3. Londoner v. City and County of Denver (1908)
Issue: Right to a hearing before local administrative action affecting property.
Ruling: The Court held that due process requires a hearing when administrative actions affect specific individuals.
Significance: Highlights the quasi-judicial nature of administrative actions and the procedural fairness required.
4. Goldberg v. Kelly (1970)
Issue: Due process requirements in termination of welfare benefits.
Ruling: The Court ruled that an evidentiary hearing is required before termination, emphasizing procedural fairness.
Significance: Reinforces procedural safeguards in administrative adjudication.
5. INS v. Chadha (1983)
Issue: Constitutionality of legislative veto in administrative decisions.
Ruling: The Court declared legislative veto unconstitutional, emphasizing separation of powers.
Significance: Clarifies limits on agency power and legislative control, underscoring the nature of administrative law within constitutional boundaries.
6. Overton Park v. Volpe (1971)
Issue: Scope of judicial review over agency decisions.
Ruling: Courts must conduct a "hard look" review to prevent arbitrary agency actions.
Significance: Highlights judicial accountability and review characteristic of administrative law.
Summary Table
| Case | Characteristic Highlighted | Key Holding / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chevron (1984) | Agency discretion and expertise | Judicial deference to reasonable agency interpretations |
| State Farm (1983) | Accountability and reasoned decision | Agencies must explain policy changes adequately |
| Londoner (1908) | Procedural fairness (due process) | Hearing required before specific administrative actions |
| Goldberg (1970) | Procedural safeguards | Evidentiary hearings required before benefit termination |
| INS v. Chadha (1983) | Separation of powers | Legislative veto over agency actions unconstitutional |
| Overton Park (1971) | Judicial review | Courts conduct thorough review to prevent arbitrariness |
Conclusion
Administrative law balances agency discretion and expertise with procedural fairness and judicial oversight. It involves delegated lawmaking and adjudication functions, operates under constitutional principles, and ensures that agencies act within the law and respect individuals’ rights.
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