Administrative Law: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Definition and Functions
Definition & Meaning
Administrative law refers to the body of laws and legal principles established by administrative agencies, which are governmental bodies at the city, county, state, or federal level. This area of law governs how these agencies operate and regulate various aspects of public administration.
Administrative law includes rules, regulations, applications, licenses, permits, and procedures for hearings, appeals, and decision-making. The primary purpose of administrative agencies is to protect public interests rather than private rights, often providing benefits such as social security or unemployment insurance.
Legal Use & context
Administrative law is commonly used in various legal practices, including:
- Social security claims
- Unemployment benefits
- Environmental regulations
- Healthcare regulations
Individuals can often manage their administrative law issues by utilizing legal forms and templates available through resources like US Legal Forms. These forms can help applicants navigate the processes involved in seeking benefits or appealing agency decisions.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: An individual applies for unemployment benefits and is denied. They can request an administrative hearing to review the decision, presenting their case before an administrative law judge.
Example 2: A business seeks a permit from a state environmental agency but faces denial. The business can appeal the agency's decision through an administrative hearing process. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The Federal Administrative Procedure Act (FAPA) is a key statute governing federal administrative agencies. It ensures due process in agency procedures and outlines the regulatory framework for rule-making and adjudications. State laws may have similar procedural acts governing state agencies.