Administrative Law

Administrative law, or regulatory law, encompasses the rules, regulations and procedures that regulate human interaction and protect public interest.

Administrative law includes:

• Administrative rules, regulations and procedures
• Scope of agency authority
• Enforcement powers of agencies
• Access to information about government

Examples of government administrative agencies designed as part of a regulatory and oversight scheme include boards, commissions and tribunals.

Congress delegates power to federal administrative agencies, but state legislatures are the source of power within states. Administrative government agency actions may consist of rule making, adjudication and enforcement of specific regulations. Governmental agencies must act within the framework of the Constitution and the limitations of state statutes as well as the federal Administrative Procedure Act. In 1946, Congress approved the act to oversee government actions and ensure that federal agencies had uniform and open procedures. The act is the primary source guide for federal administrative law. Similar state acts govern the administration and regulation in the U.S.

Administrative law attorneys provide legal services primarily for large businesses and corporations caught in the complexity of government rules, regulations, procedures and enforcement pertaining to areas such as manufacturing, international trade, taxation, environment, broadcasting and immigration.

Last update: Sept. 30, 2008