Administrative Law And Accountability

Administrative Law And Accountability

Administrative Law and Accountability Rule of law and administrative discretion Administrative law governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies of government. It ensures that these bodies operate within the law and are held accountable for their decisions. 1. Rule of Law in Administrative Law The Rule of Law is a foundational principle in administrative law. It ensures that: Government actions must be based on law : No administrative authority can act arbitrarily. Equality before the law : Everyone, including public officials, is subject to the law. Legal certainty and transparency : Citizens should be able to foresee how the law applies to them. Judicial review : Courts can review administrative actions to ensure legality. In administrative law, the Rule of Law ensures that administrative bodies cannot act ultra vires (beyond their legal powers). It is a safeguard against abuse of power. 2. Administrative Discretion Administrative discretion refers to the freedom of choice given to public officials to make decisions within the bounds of law. This flexibility is necessary because: Laws cannot foresee every situation. Agencies need room to interpret policy and apply laws in practical, context-specific ways. However, discretion must not be abused. It must be exercised: Reasonably :

Updated July 6, 2026