Administrative law

Administrative law is the branch of public law that regulates the exercise of power by the executive arm of government. This unit introduces students to the structure of government administration, the sources of administrative discretion and the systems that have been developed to permit the review of the exercise of administrative discretion by administrative decision-makers. The unit compares review of the 'merits' of administrative actions, by administrative tribunals, with review of their 'legality', by courts, pursuant to judicial review. The unit examines the judicial review of administrative action both at common law and under statute and has particular regard to the grounds of review; the courts' jurisdiction to entertain applications for review; the possession, by potential applicants for review, of standing; and the remedies available pursuant to a successful judicial review application. The unit aims, particularly, to develop students' practical skills in interpreting statutes.