Unit 1652: Administrative Law - Principles and Practice

1. Overview of Administrative Law

• Definition and scope of administrative law
• Importance in governing administrative agencies
• Relationship with constitutional, criminal, civil, and statutory law
• Historical development and evolution

2. Administrative Agencies and Their Functions

• Definition and types of administrative agencies (executive, independent, regulatory)
• Functions: rulemaking, adjudication, investigation, enforcement
• Powers granted by enabling statutes
• Limitations and accountability mechanisms

3. Administrative Procedures

• Overview of procedural rules governing agencies
• Rulemaking: notice-and-comment procedures, informal vs. formal rulemaking
• Adjudication: administrative hearings, due process requirements
• Enforcement procedures: investigations, sanctions
• Transparency and public participation

4. Judicial Review of Administrative Actions

• Purpose and importance of judicial review
• Standards of review: Chevron deference, arbitrary and capricious test, substantial evidence
• Scope of judicial intervention: procedural and substantive review
• Remedies and limitations on review

5. Delegation of Authority

• Concept of delegation of legislative and executive powers
• Constitutional constraints on delegation
• The doctrine of non-delegation and its application
• Legislative oversight and checks on agency power

6. Administrative Law Enforcement

• Enforcement mechanisms available to agencies
• Inspections and investigations
• Sanctions and penalties: fines, license revocation, cease and desist orders
• Role and function of administrative tribunals and hearings

7. Administrative Law Remedies

• Judicial remedies: injunctions, declaratory relief, mandamus
• Administrative appeals and internal review processes
• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in administrative contexts

8. Administrative Law and Civil Liberties

• Due process in administrative proceedings
• Equal protection considerations
• Protection of individual rights against administrative actions
• Balancing government interests and civil liberties

9. Regulatory Impact and Administrative Law

• Impact on regulatory policies and economic development
• Public welfare and social policy considerations
• Balancing regulation and individual freedoms
• Cost-benefit analysis and regulatory impact assessments

10. Contemporary Issues in Administrative Law

• Regulatory reform and modernization efforts
• Administrative accountability and transparency
• The evolving role of agencies in governance
• Challenges in administrative law: technology, globalization, and public trust