LAU34001 Administrative Law

Learning Outcomes

• Having successfully completed this module, students should be able to:
• Describe and assess the rationale for judicial supervision of administrative action.
• Discuss the substantive case law in a manner that incorporates the principles and theory of administrative law.
• Classify and compare the grounds for judicial review.
• Synthesise and evaluate case law on each of the main grounds of review.
• Apply the relevant principles and predict legal outcomes in factual situations

Module Learning Aims

Administrative law in Ireland is primarily judge-made. It is a public law subject and is often concerned with issues that are politically contentious and raise separation of powers concerns. Students will need to develop the ability to navigate the complex tapestry of public law principles that have developed in Irish administrative law jurisprudence. 

Module Content

This module examines public administration and the role of judicial review of administrative action. The module addresses the position of the administration in separation of powers. The bulk of the module is concerned with the control of administrative action through judicial review. It will consider in depth the reach of judicial review and in particular, the main grounds of judicial review. The module will also address judicial review procedures and remedies. Throughout this module, comparisons will be made between the English and Irish case law.

Recommended Reading List

Hogan & Morgan, Administrative Law in Ireland (5th ed., 2019)

Hare, Donnelly, Bell and Carnwath, De Smith’s Judicial Review (9^th ed., 2023)

Biehler, Judicial Review of Administrative Action (3rd ed., 2013)

Donnelly and Hare, Principles of Judicial Review (2^nd ed., 2020)

Other General Reading

Craig, Administrative Law (9th ed., 2021)

Endicott, Administrative Law (5th ed., 2021)