Administrative Law

Administrative law is about the struggle to achieve a balance between the competing interests that shape the design and implementation of public programs.  While the state must, in the public interest, deliver programs effectively, efficiently and consistently with principles of good government, it must also respect the core values of the rule of law – government that is subject to law and that respects claims of individual dignity and basic liberties, including those reflected in international human rights law.  In this class, we will explore how courts enforce the principles of procedural fairness by ensuring that parties affected by administrative decisions are heard by unbiased decision makers.  We will examine how courts review the substance of administrative decisions.  Finally, we will examine the constitutional dimensions of administrative law.