LAW450
Administrative Law
(Raso)
Prerequisite courses:
Prerequisite for:
Instructor(s): Professor Jennifer Raso
Course credit: 3
Method of presentation: Lecture
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Students’ learning will be evaluated through three mechanisms. The first is an optional assignment (worth 25% of the final grade). The second is a modified closed book examination during the final examination period (worth 65% of the final grade if the optional assignment is completed; otherwise worth 90% of the final grade). The third is engagement with the course (worth 10% of the final grade).
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Administrative law, broadly speaking, is that area of law which guides the executive, or administrative, branch of government in a range of matters: from establishing broad policies and precise rules (i.e., immigration guidelines, local government by-laws, utility rates) to making decisions that affect specific individuals (i.e., determining whether an applicant will be granted disability benefits, whether a business licence will be suspended, whether a high-rise development project will proceed). This course will introduce students to the principles that justify the external review of administrative action and the many mechanisms available to guide, or challenge, administrative decisions. The mechanisms explored will include: judicial review of administrative actions, including the common law of procedural and substantive review; constitutional limits on administrative action pursuant to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and review by other administrative bodies, such as the Ombudsman and Auditor General. Ultimately, this course will enable students to identify and analyze the theoretical and practical issues that arise when seeking to regulate the actions of an administrative body.
SPECIAL COMMENTS
Description updated 2021-22. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.
REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):
The most recent edition of Administrative Law in Context (Emond) will be required, and primary source materials (cases, statutes) will be available via TWEN. NOTE: A 4th edition of Administrative Law in Context will be printed by Emond at some point in 2021. Before this course commences, I will email all enrolled students to confirm whether the 4th edition will be assigned based on its availability from the publisher.