Which act established the standard of judicial review for federal agencies?

Which act established the standard of judicial review for federal agencies?

• A. Statutory Review Act
• B. Judicial Review Act
• C. Administrative Procedures Act
• D. Federal Agency Act

Answer: (C)

The standard of judicial review for federal agency actions comes from the Administrative Procedures Act. This act requires courts to review agency actions to ensure they are not arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law, and that proper procedures have been followed. In practice, a court looks at whether the agency stayed within its statutory authority, weighed relevant factors, and reached a reasonable decision based on the record. If the agency acts outside its authority, ignores required procedures, or makes a decision with no rational basis, the court can overturn it. The Administrative Procedures Act also sets the procedural framework for how agencies operate, including notice-and-comment for rulemaking and fair procedures in adjudication, which underpins how courts assess the validity of agency actions.

The standard of judicial review for federal agency actions comes from the Administrative Procedures Act. This act requires courts to review agency actions to ensure they are not arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law, and that proper procedures have been followed. In practice, a court looks at whether the agency stayed within its statutory authority, weighed relevant factors, and reached a reasonable decision based on the record. If the agency acts outside its authority, ignores required procedures, or makes a decision with no rational basis, the court can overturn it.

The Administrative Procedures Act also sets the procedural framework for how agencies operate, including notice-and-comment for rulemaking and fair procedures in adjudication, which underpins how courts assess the validity of agency actions.