International Administrative Law

Module 1 — Foundations of Administrative Law

Students are introduced to the legal principles governing public administration and the exercise of administrative power. The course distinguishes lawful public authority from arbitrary or unauthorised action.

Module 2 — Administrative Powers and Delegation

Students examine statutory and other lawful sources of administrative authority, delegation of functions and the limits placed upon public decision-makers. Officials must act within the powers lawfully given to them.

Module 3 — Procedural Fairness and Natural Justice

Students learn basic principles of procedural fairness, including appropriate notice, an opportunity to respond, impartial decision-making and the need to consider relevant information before making significant administrative decisions.

Module 4 — Reasonableness and Lawful Decision-Making

Students examine the importance of relevant considerations, proper purposes, rational decision-making and compliance with applicable legal requirements. The course emphasises that administrative discretion is not unlimited.

Module 5 — Judicial Review

Students are introduced to judicial review as a mechanism for examining the legality of administrative action. The course distinguishes review of legal authority and procedure from a general appeal on the merits, subject to the applicable legal system.

Module 6 — Remedies and Administrative Accountability

Students examine possible remedies and accountability mechanisms for unlawful administrative action, including orders requiring reconsideration, declarations and other remedies available under the applicable legal framework.

Knowledge Test

1. What is a central principle of administrative law?

Public authorities must act within the powers lawfully given to them Officials may exercise unlimited power Administrative decisions never need legal authority Courts cannot review public action

2. What is procedural fairness intended to protect?

Fair decision-making processes for people affected by administrative decisions Unlimited administrative discretion Secret decision-making in every case The removal of judicial oversight

3. Why must an administrative decision-maker consider relevant matters?

Because lawful decision-making requires attention to the matters required by the applicable law Because every decision must favour the applicant Because evidence is never relevant Because courts automatically make every administrative decision

4. What is judicial review primarily concerned with?

Examining the legality of administrative action Replacing every administrative decision with a judicial preference Punishing every public official Eliminating administrative agencies

5. Why are remedies important in administrative law?

They can provide lawful responses when administrative action is found to be unlawful They guarantee that every claimant wins They eliminate the need for reasons They prevent public authorities from making any decisions