Administrative Hearing

Synonyms

Adjudications; Adjudicatory hearings; Adjudicatory proceedings; Evidentiary hearings; Formal adjudications; Trial-type hearings

Definition

Administrative hearings are trial-like procedures federal and state administrative agencies use to adjudicate disputes between government agencies and the general public. The outcomes of administrative hearings, “administrative orders,” resolve disputed facts, apply agency policies to individuals’ and businesses’ circumstances, determine policy in regard to a specific factual setting, and order compliance with laws and regulations (West’s Encyclopedia of American Law 1998).

Introduction

Administrative agencies conduct most of their work through informal procedures, such as handling applications for government benefits or processing tax returns. However, anyone who objects to an administrative agency’s informal decision can request an administrative hearing. For example, people who feel agency standards are unclear or a decision violates...