Administrative Law

Administrative Law

Administrative Law is that body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government. The Practice Area of Administrative Law generally involves the representation of government contractors or government employees in their agreements and relationships with Government Agencies.

Government Agency Action can include when the Government (through an Agency) acts like a business and enters into contracts and hires employees. Government Agency Action also includes rule making, adjudication, or the enforcement of a specific regulatory laws that effect businesses and individuals.

Administrative Law is considered a branch of Public Law. Administrative law expanded greatly during the twentieth century, as legislative bodies worldwide created more government agencies to regulate the social, economic and political spheres of human interaction. The CNMI was not immune from this expansion and the CNMI has a large number of Government Agencies that regulate many areas of business and daily life.

In the CNMI almost each agency has its own procurement rules and the agencies must follow these rules when the contract with private parties for public works. The CNMI also has an Administrative Procedures Act (as does almost all jurisdictions in the United States) that regulate the Government Agencies and how to appeal from their decisions if it is asserted that the procurement rules were not followed. As a Practice Area, most of the work the Dotts Law Office does involving Administrative Law is protesting bids and appealing awards our clients believe were not properly awarded.