About the Office of Administrative Law Judges (2024)

FAQs

What is the purpose of administrative law judges? ›

An Administrative Law Judge, appointed under the APA, presides at the hearing during which documents and sworn testimony are received in evidence, and witnesses are cross-examined.

An administrative law judge (ALJ) is a government employee who oversees administrative agency adjudications (cases).

Authority and review of federal ALJs

An ALJ's powers are often, if not generally, comparable to those of a trial judge: an ALJ may issue subpoenas, rule on proffers of evidence, regulate the course of the hearing, and make or recommend decisions.

Administrative law judges (ALJ) (not administrative judges) are executive judges for official and unofficial hearings of administrative disputes in the Federal government.

What is the purpose of administrative law? The main purpose of administrative law consists of ensuring accountability for administrative agencies. By providing for judicial review of agency actions, this body of law curbs the power of the executive branch and provides transparency to the public.

It's typical to find a court reporter, a wit- ness box, a judge's bench and the ALJ wearing a black robe, and at least one attorney for a party. And the hearings are much longer and often more complicated than in the unemployment area.

Department of Labor ALJs adjudicate complaints and claims in a wide variety of cases. Cases where individuals seek benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and the Defense Base Act constitute the largest part of the office's workload.

The administrative law judge (ALJ) plays a crucial role in the adjudication process of the administrative procedure. This function involves applying rules and precedents to individual cases within an adversarial setting that includes a defense and prosecution, similar to court proceedings.

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

The Administrative Office is the agency within the judicial branch that provides a broad range of legislative, legal, financial, technology, management, administrative, and program support services to federal courts.

Decisions of Administrative Law Judges are binding on the parties in the particular matter but do not have precedential value. They should not be cited or relied on as precedent in any proceeding. Decisions posted here may not be final and may be subject to modification by the Appeals Board and the Courts.

Do administrative law judges have immunity? ›

No Immunity for Administrative Acts.

administrative acts of a judge, such as employment decisions, but there may be qualified immunity in such circ*mstances, just as for other public officials.

Judges in federal courts, from district courts up to the U.S. Supreme Court, have the final say on issues that have an effect on the lives of every American, including basic civil rights, religious freedoms, voting rights, affirmative action, and in some cases, life or death.

ALJs rule on preliminary motions, conduct pre-hearing conferences, issue subpoenas, conduct hearings (which may include written and/or oral testimony and cross-examination), review briefs, and prepare and issue decisions, along with written findings of fact and conclusions of law.

The national average ALJ approval rate varies from year to year but generally hovers around 45-50%. 2. How long does it take to get a hearing with an ALJ?

ALJs have the power to administer oaths, make rulings on evidentiary objections, and render legal and factual determinations. ALJs are appointed pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (APA).

An administrative court is a type of specialized court on administrative law, particularly disputes concerning the exercise of public power. Their role is to ascertain that official acts are consistent with the law.