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Administrative Law
Prof. Alasdair S Roberts, Mr. Paul H. Merry, Prof. Renee M. Landers,
3 credits day; 3 credits evening. Professor Landers: This course involves the study of the
organization, function, and procedures of state and federal administrative agencies, including the
investigatory, adjudicatory, rulemaking, and enforcement functions of such agencies, and the
judicial review of administrative action. The course begins with an examination of procedural
due process and the how courts identify the types of interests for which due process protections
apply and the nature of procedures required. The text for the course is Michael Asimow and
Ronald M. Levin, State and Federal Administrative Law, which provides the opportunity to
compare how the relevant provisions of the federal Administrative Procedure Act and Model
State Administrative Procedure Acts address the topics considered in the course. In addition to
exploring practice strategies for government, private, and public interest lawyers, the course
explores the position of administrative agencies in the governmental structure and the impact of
the political process on administrative agencies. Teaching method: This professor uses Socratic
instruction combined with the discussion of problems designed to illustrate the application of
statutes and case law to administrative practice. Methods of evaluation: Paper: Approximately
40% of the course grade is based on a writing assignment distributed to students approximately
midway through the semester. Papers are usually not more than 7 typewritten pages in length.
Class Participation: Participating in class is a part of the learning process for all students and the
professor. Regular class attendance, therefore, is encouraged. For truly outstanding participation
in class, course grades may be raised by a half letter grade, e.g. from ―B-‖ to ―B‖. Examination:
Evaluation for work in the course is based also on a final examination. The examination typically
consists of approximately two-thirds essay questions and approximately one-third multiple
choice questions and count for approximately 60% of the course grade. This examination is a
limited open book examination which means that each student will be permitted to bring the
required texts for the course and any notes the student has prepared. No treatises, commercial
study aids or outlines, or other such materials are permitted. For a full explanation of the exam
rules, please see description on prior years‘ examinations.
This course involves the study of the organization, function and procedures of state and federal
administrative agencies, including the investigatory, rule-making, adjudicatory, and enforcement
functions of such agencies, and judicial review of administrative action. These topics are
considered in the context of relevant provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)and
comparable provisions of Model State APA's. Practice strategies for government, private, and
public interest lawyers are explored.
Elective Course
Meets Base Menu Requirement
Meets Health/Biomedical Concentration Requirements
Final Exam Required