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Administrative Law (Public Law)
Administrative Law (Public Law)
Administrative Law (Public Law)
1.1 Analyse the above and identify the organs of state in the above scenario. In
your answer, provide a definition of the term
Khula Africa (Pty) Ltd: Although not explicitly mentioned as an organ of state,
Khula Africa (Pty) Ltd is involved in a legal dispute with the Department of
Minerals and Energy, which makes it a party to the scenario.
Definition of the term organ of state: An organ of state refers to any branch,
department, agency, or entity of government that exercises governmental powers
and performs public functions. Organs of state are established by law and are
responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies on behalf of the
government. They have the authority to make decisions and take actions that
affect individuals and organizations within their jurisdiction.
1.2 Evaluate the above and identify the administrator in the above scenario. In
your answer, provide a definition of the term “administrator”. (4)
The administrator in the above scenario is the official within the Department of
Minerals and Energy who turned down Khula Africa (Pty) Ltd.'s application for
mining rights in the Lake-ridge complex.
Definition of the term "administrator": An administrator refers to an individual or
entity that is responsible for the management and execution of administrative
tasks and decisions within an organization or government department. They are
usually appointed or authorized to carry out specific duties and responsibilities,
such as reviewing and making decisions on applications, implementing policies
and regulations, and handling administrative procedures. Administrators play a
crucial role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of the organization
or department they are associated with.
Overall, administrators are essential for the smooth functioning and effective
management of organizations and government departments. They play a crucial
role in decision-making, policy implementation, resource allocation, and
coordination, all while ensuring compliance and addressing challenges that may
arise.
1.3 Discuss whether administrative law applies to the above scenario. (12)
1. Administrative Agency:
Appeals and Review: Administrative agencies' decisions are subject to review and
appeal. Affected individuals or organizations can challenge agency decisions
through administrative appeals processes or seek judicial review in court.
Examples of administrative agencies include the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
Each country or jurisdiction has its own set of administrative agencies that
operate within their specific legal frameworks.
2. Decision-making:
Decision-Making Techniques: There are several techniques and tools that can
support decision-making processes. These include decision trees, cost-benefit
analysis, SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), scenario
analysis, risk analysis, and group decision-making techniques like brainstorming
and consensus-building.
3. Judicial review:
is a legal principle that allows courts to review and potentially invalidate decisions
made by other branches of government, such as the executive or legislative
branches. It is a fundamental aspect of constitutional law in many democratic
countries, including the United States.
Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint: There is an ongoing debate about the
appropriate role of courts in judicial review. Judicial activism refers to an approach
where courts take an active role in shaping public policy and interpreting the
constitution broadly to address social and political issues. Judicial restraint, on the
other hand, advocates for a more limited role for courts, deferring to the elected
branches of government and interpreting the constitution narrowly.
Judicial Review and Democracy: Judicial review plays a crucial role in upholding
the rule of law and protecting individual rights in a democratic society. It ensures
that government actions are consistent with constitutional principles and prevents
the abuse of power. However, critics argue that judicial review can sometimes
undermine democratic decision-making by allowing unelected judges to overturn
laws enacted by elected representatives.
Judicial Review in Different Countries: The extent and nature of judicial review
vary among countries. In the United States, judicial review is well-established and
has been used by the Supreme Court to strike down laws and executive actions. In
some countries, such as Germany, judicial review is conducted by specialized
constitutional courts. In other countries, like the United Kingdom, the courts have
a more limited role in reviewing the actions of the executive and legislative
branches.
Overall, judicial review is a vital component of the legal system that ensures the
constitutionality of government actions and protects individual rights. It involves a
delicate balance between the powers of the judiciary and the other branches of
government, aiming to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
4. Due process:
is a legal principle that ensures fair treatment and protection of individual rights
in legal proceedings. It is a fundamental aspect of constitutional law in many
democratic countries, including the United States.
Definition: Due process refers to the legal requirement that individuals are
entitled to certain procedural safeguards and substantive rights when they are
facing government action that could deprive them of life, liberty, or property. It
guarantees fairness, impartiality, and the opportunity to be heard before any
adverse action is taken.
Procedural Due Process: Procedural due process focuses on the procedures and
safeguards that must be followed when the government seeks to deprive an
individual of their rights, such as in criminal proceedings or administrative
hearings. It ensures that individuals have notice of the charges or actions against
them, the opportunity to be heard, the right to legal representation, and a fair and
impartial decision-maker.
Equal Protection Clause: The Equal Protection Clause, found in the Fourteenth
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is closely related to due process. It prohibits
the government from denying equal protection of the law to any person within its
jurisdiction. It ensures that individuals are treated equally under the law and that
laws are applied in a non-discriminatory manner.
Due Process and Criminal Justice: Due process plays a crucial role in the criminal
justice system. It guarantees that individuals accused of crimes have the right to a
fair trial, legal representation, the presumption of innocence, and protection
against self-incrimination. It also ensures that punishment is proportionate to the
offense and that individuals are not subjected to cruel or unusual punishment.
Due process is a cornerstone of the legal system, protecting individual rights and
ensuring fairness in legal proceedings. It serves as a critical safeguard against
arbitrary government actions and upholds the principles of justice and the rule of
law.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory bodies can vary depending on the industry and
jurisdiction. They can be government agencies, professional associations, or
industry-specific organizations. Examples of regulatory bodies include the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for financial markets, the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for the pharmaceutical industry, and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental regulations.
Compliance and Ethical Conduct: Compliance goes beyond mere legal obligations.
It is about fostering a culture of ethical conduct within an organization.
Organizations that prioritize compliance and ethical behavior are more likely to
gain the trust and loyalty of their stakeholders, including customers, employees,
investors, and the public.
At its core, the principle of legality means that all exercises of public power must
be authorized by law. This principle serves as a check on the government's
authority, preventing arbitrary and unlawful actions. It requires that government
actions be based on clear and specific legal provisions, rather than vague or
discretionary powers.
The principle of legality is closely linked to the concept of the separation of
powers, which is a fundamental principle of constitutional governance. According
to the separation of powers, the legislative branch makes the laws, the executive
branch implements the laws, and the judiciary interprets and applies the laws. The
principle of legality ensures that the executive branch operates within the bounds
of the law and does not exceed its authority.
The principle of legality also encompasses the principle of legality in criminal law,
which provides that individuals cannot be punished for conduct that is not clearly
and specifically prohibited by law. This principle serves as a protection against
arbitrary criminal prosecutions and ensures that individuals have fair notice of
what behavior is considered illegal.
Furthermore, the principle of legality requires that laws be clear, precise, and
accessible to the public. Laws should not be so vague or ambiguous that
individuals are unable to understand their obligations or rights. This promotes
transparency and accountability in the legal system and ensures equal protection
under the law.
Here are some additional points to further elaborate on the principle of legality
within the constitutional framework:
Judicial Review: The principle of legality allows for judicial review of government
actions to ensure their conformity with the law and the constitution. Courts have
the power to strike down laws or government actions that are found to be
unconstitutional or in violation of the principle of legality.
Role of Legal Professionals: Legal professionals, such as judges, lawyers, and legal
scholars, play a crucial role in upholding the principle of legality. They interpret
and apply the law, challenge illegal government actions, and advocate for the
protection of individual rights.
Legal Certainty: The principle of legality provides individuals with legal certainty by
clearly defining their rights and obligations under the law. It ensures that laws are
accessible, understandable, and predictable, allowing individuals to make
informed decisions and plan their actions accordingly. This protects individuals
from arbitrary or unpredictable government actions that could infringe upon their
rights.
Judicial Review: The principle of legality allows for judicial review of government
actions to ensure their conformity with the law and the constitution. Courts have
the power to strike down laws or government actions that are found to be
unconstitutional or in violation of individual rights. This serves as a safeguard
against potential abuses of power and provides individuals with a mechanism to
challenge government actions that infringe upon their rights.
By upholding the principle of legality, societies can safeguard individual rights and
prevent arbitrary or unlawful government actions. It establishes a framework of
legal protections that ensure individuals are treated fairly, their rights are
respected, and they have recourse when their rights are violated.
conclusion:
Referencees:
Mashaw, J. L., Merrill, R. S., & Shane, P. M. (2012). Administrative Law: The
American Public Law System (6th ed.). West Academic Publishing.
Strauss, P. L., & Mashaw, J. L. (2014). The Organization of Government Under the
Administrative Procedure Act. Harvard Law Review, 127(2), 327-427.
Kochan, D. J., & Shapiro, M. A. (2018). Administrative Law and Practice (3rd ed.).
West Academic Publishing.
Barendt, E., & Houghton, D. (2013). Administrative Law (4th ed.). Oxford
University Press.
Caiden, G. E., & Wildavsky, A. B. (2013). Administrative Law: Politics and Process.
Westview Press.
Verkuil, P. R. (2017). Administrative Law and Process (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.