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Supreme Court Ruling Could Change How Veterans Win Disability Benefits
The Development of Administrative Law
As administrative agencies grew in number and power, the legal framework governing their actions evolved to address concerns about accountability and fairness. The Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 established basic standards for agency decision-making, including requirements for public notice, comment periods, and judicial review of agency actions.
However, the APA also recognized the need for courts to show appropriate deference to agency expertise, particularly in technical areas where agencies possessed specialized knowledge that judges lacked. This deference doctrine has evolved through decades of judicial decisions, creating a complex framework that attempts to balance respect for agency expertise with meaningful judicial oversight.
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