Administrative law | Page 5
The Scope and Meaning of Reasonableness Review
Questions continue to abound about the standard of review of administrative action in Canada. For something apparently simplified in Dunsmuir v. New Brunswick and subsequent cases, it provokes a great many questions. The key question now, in light of the “triumph” of reasonableness, is the scope and meaning of reasonableness review. To what does the […] Read more
Unreasonable Interpretations of Law
Abstract: Reasonableness has become the dominant standard of review of administrative action in Canada. Understanding what makes a decision unreasonable has become a critical issue for Canadian judges and jurists. The question I will address in this essay is: what does it mean to say that an interpretation of law is unreasonable?Recently, Canadian courts have […] Read more
Hart/Scalia vs. Fuller/Breyer
There are shades of the Hart vs. Fuller debate in the disagreement between Scalia J. and Breyer J. in last week’s greenhouse gases case: UARG v. EPA. As part of a much wider debate about the relationship between law and morality, Hart and Fuller jousted over a rule prohibiting vehicles in the park. To simplify […] Read more
Attaquer une décision en révision judiciaire
I gave a presentation a few weeks ago for the Canadian Institute. An odd subject for a partisan of deference like myself, but I enjoyed putting a paper together. Practitioners may find it provides helpful guidance on ways to attack administrative decisions. You can download it here. And here is the abstract: J’essayerai lors de cet […] Read more
Common Law Restraints on Discretionary Powers: S156-2013 v. Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, [2014] HCA 22
An old debate in administrative law concerns the appropriate role of courts in imposing common law restrictions on discretionary powers. For example, when a statute says “X may, in his absolute discretion, do Y”, are any limitations of fairness or rationality implied by the common law? The modern tendency has been to admit that there […] Read more
Stare Decisis in Administrative Law
Here is a problem for deferential approaches to judicial review: what about an administrative decision that is a reasonable resolution of a particular case but which is reached by flawed logic? If the flawed logic is not sanctioned, it remains on the books and may influence future administrative decision-makers: indeed, failing to follow a previous […] Read more
Interpretation and Context
Here is a great passage from an Australian case (Mainteck Services v. Stein Heurtey) on contractual interpretation: What is the legal meaning of a promise to sell “my Dürer drawing”, if the vendor’s wife owns a Dürer drawing which is on display in their home, and the vendor keeps another secretly in his study? What […] Read more
Attaquer une décision en révision judiciaire
J’essayerai lors de cet exposé du droit canadien en matière de révision judiciaire de fournir quelques conseils pratiques aux plaideurs qui contestent des décisions administratives.Admettons dès le départ que le sort des plaideurs n’est pas enviable. La décision administrative est présumée valide et l’individu mécontent qui intente un recours devant les tribunaux de justice se […] Read more
Assisted Suicide and Prosecutorial Discretion
I spoke with Rob Breakenridge about Quebec’s “right to die” legislation and a timely Supreme Court of Canada case on prosecutorial discretion. Read more
2013-2014: Administrative Law’s Best and Worst
Finding it tough to keep up with the latest developments in administrative law? These comprehensive materials contain a fast-paced review of the highlights, including pivotal cases and legislation. Also included is practical advice and strategies for all clients, whether individuals, the government, or tribunals. Read more