Demystifying Administrative Law: A Practical Guide with Current Insights

This accessible casebook, edited by Hickman, Pierce, and Walker, is designed to equip both students and practitioners with a solid understanding of federal administrative law. It emphasizes real-world applications, current legal standards, and practical skills needed to navigate this dynamic field.

Key strengths:

• Focus on practicality: Leans towards real-world application while providing enough theory for deeper exploration.
• Up-to-date content: Incorporates recent Supreme Court decisions like Gundy v. United States (nondelegation doctrine) and Spokeo v. Robbins (standing doctrine).
• Case-based learning: Uses leading cases to illustrate key principles and legal reasoning.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers essential topics like agency rulemaking, judicial review, due process, and more.
• Critical thinking tools: Includes discussion questions and case problems to hone legal analysis skills.

Content overview:

• Introduction: Delves into the historical and theoretical foundations of administrative law, exploring agency powers and judicial review.
• Substantive Review: Examines statutory interpretation, the "arbitrary and capricious" standard, and due process requirements in agency decisions.
• Judicial Review: Analyzes standing doctrine, ripeness, exhaustion of remedies, and the scope of judicial review with deference to agency expertise.
• Agency Rulemaking: Explores notice-and-comment procedures, alternatives to formal rulemaking, and judicial review of agency rules.
• Agency Adjudication: Explains formal and informal procedures, evidence gathering, and sanctions in agency adjudication.

Beyond the Summary:

This casebook is a valuable resource for law students, legal practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the interaction between government agencies and individuals. Its accessible approach, current focus, and practical skills development make it an essential tool for navigating the complexities of federal administrative law.