Administrative Law

This course focuses on the law and procedures relating to federal agencies.  Federal and state administrative agencies affect virtually every aspect of daily life.  Indeed, the administrative state is sometimes called the "fourth branch" of government.  Often invisible to the public, these agencies are responsible for regulating and enforcing laws regarding the environment, national security, food and drugs, labor relations, international trade, telecommunications, intellectual property, zoning, and immigration (to name but a few). Knowledge of regulations - and how they are enacted - is essential for practicing attorneys in almost any field. 

This course does not focus on the law of any one agency, but instead analyzes the procedures and principles common to all federal agencies. Accordingly students will examine the sources of agencies' authority (both statutory and constitutional), the limits of their powers, the procedures they must follow in rulemaking and adjudication, and judicial review of agency actions.