Outline five purposes of administrative law
Administrative law is a legal framework within which administrative functions are carried out in public office. It promotes the development of a system of administration that operates within the law. Administrative law can also be defined as a branch of law that provides guidelines for the executive branch of government.
Administrative law serves several purposes, some of which include:
- Regulating government activity: One of the primary purposes of administrative law is to regulate the activity of government agencies and other administrative bodies. This includes establishing rules and procedures for the exercise of their powers and functions, ensuring that they operate within the bounds of their authority, and protecting the rights of individuals affected by their decisions.
- Protecting the public interest: Administrative law is also concerned with protecting the public interest by ensuring that government agencies and other administrative bodies act in the best interests of the public they serve. This may involve overseeing the allocation of public resources, enforcing public safety and health regulations, and protecting consumers from fraudulent or unsafe practices.
- Ensuring procedural fairness: Administrative law also seeks to ensure that administrative decisions are made fairly and impartially, in accordance with the principles of natural justice. This includes providing individuals with adequate notice and the opportunity to be heard before decisions are made that affect their rights or interests.
- Promoting transparency and accountability: Administrative law promotes transparency and accountability by requiring government agencies and other administrative bodies to provide reasons for their decisions, maintain records of their activities, and be subject to review and oversight by independent bodies.
- Providing remedies and redress: Finally, administrative law provides individuals with remedies and redress for grievances they may have against government agencies or other administrative bodies. This includes the right to appeal administrative decisions, seek judicial review of administrative actions, and seek compensation for harm or losses caused by administrative wrongdoing.
