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Administrative Law, broadly defined as the law relating to governance and public administration, is an essential subject for all those aiming to pursue a career in the general field of public law and human rights. The course takes a contextual approach, addressing cutting-edge issues concerning the role of law in the design and control of administrative processes.

Dealing with such important topics as provision of public services and automation/AI, market regulation and public contracting, and judicial review and ADR, the course takes a joined-up approach to the subject. Essentially, it consists of four parts.

1. Perspectives
We begin with an overview of major debates and controversies, set in historical context and extending to contemporary populist challenge. The development of administrative law in different political, social and economic conditions is at the heart of our inquiry.

2. Contemporary trends in governance
We next explore ideas and practices of governance, focusing on automation and AI, regulation and outsourcing. Good governance issues of transparency, accountability and participation are brought centre-stage.

3. Administrative justice and redress
In this part, we consider the important role in citizen protection and public accountability of techniques such as internal review, tribunal adjudication and public inquiries.

4. Judicial review in question
Last but not least, we drill down into the theory and practice of judicial review, so examining important aspects of the subject such as legitimate expectation, equality and substantive review. We also focus on issues of reform and impact. (For these purposes, the short section on judicial review in the first year Public Law course is just a starting point).

The summative assessment for Administrative Law consists of two components, which are equally weighted. The first one is the 3000 words assessed essay. This is on a subject of your own choosing from parts 1 and 2 of the course, following consultation with the Module Convener. The second component is a 2 hour examination. This is on administrative justice and judicial review (= parts 3 and 4 of the course).

Recommended texts:
Carol Harlow and Richard Rawlings, Law and Administration (4th edition, CUP, 2022)