Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What does administrative law primarily consist of?

1. Rules created by judicial decisions

2. Regulations established by administrative agencies

3. Statutes passed by the legislature

4. Common law interpretations of statutes

The correct answer is: Regulations established by administrative agencies

Administrative law primarily consists of regulations established by administrative agencies. This area of law governs the activities of government agencies, which are responsible for creating rules and regulations to implement and enforce the laws enacted by the legislature. These regulations cover a range of activities, including the processes through which agencies operate, the standards they must follow in regulating specific sectors, and how they enforce compliance with these regulations. Regulations set forth by administrative agencies provide necessary details and procedures that are often not available in the broad laws enacted by legislatures. For example, while a statute may outline the general principles of environmental protection, an administrative agency like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will create specific regulations that delineate how those principles are to be applied in practical terms, including standards for emissions, permit requirements, and penalties for violations. The other choices represent different aspects of law: judicial decisions shape case law and interpretations of statutes, statutes are legislative products, and common law derives from court decisions over time. However, they do not capture the essence of administrative law, which is specifically focused on the regulatory framework established by government agencies.