Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Description This module familiarises students with the sources and principles of administrative law. This module discusses the legal and political mechanisms that control the behaviour of public bodies and administrative discretion. A significant proportion of the module is concerned with judicial review. The module discusses the grounds of judicial review including ultra vires, errors of law, errors of fact, fair procedures and the control of discretionary powers including an analysis of the principle of reasonableness and the role of proportionality. The module considers alternative legal mechanisms to regulate the behaviour of public bodies and the State, such as tribunals, inquiries, Ombudsman and Freedom of Information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the legal theory and principles that underpin the purpose and scope of administrative law in Ireland. 2. Summarise the principles underlying judicial review of administrative action. 3. Identify the grounds for judicial review & apply these grounds to hypothetical problems with reference to relevant case-law, legislation and policy. 4. Discuss the discretionary nature of judicial review remedies available to the High Court. 5. Evaluate alternative legal mechanisms for holding administrative power to account. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction We consider the origins, scope and purpose of administrative law. Sources of Administrative Law We discuss the concepts of the rule of law and the separation of powers under the Constitution. We consider the sources of administrative law including the Constitution, common law, primary legislation, delegated legislation and administrative circulars. We will reacquaint ourselves with the rules of statutory interpretation. Grounds for Judicial Review We examine bias, breach of fair procedures, breach of legitimate expectation, unlawful delegation, error of fact, error of law, lack of proportionality, fettering of the decision making function, abuse of public power, breach of fundamental rights and reasonableness. Judicial Review Remedies We define the judicial review remedies of certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, declaration, injunction and damages. We consider the discretionary nature of these remedies where the High Court may refuse to grant relief because of an applicant's conduct, failure to exhaust alternative remedies, and, delay. Judicial Review Procedure We discuss the application for leave, post-leave procedure, interlocutory applications and the hearing of judicial review applications. Alternative Legal Mechanisms in Administrative Law We consider the role of tribunals, public inquiries and licensing as mechanisms of public administration. We discuss the role of the Ombudsman in securing redress for individuals who have suffered harm or loss due to maladministration and championing good administrative practice. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||