DOJ Declares Removal Protections for Administrative Judges Unconstitutional, Citing Supreme Court Precedent

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has declared that it will no longer defend the constitutionality of current constraints on the removal of administrative law judges (ALJs). This decision, articulated in a letter by Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris to Charles Grassley, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, is based on a Supreme Court ruling which the DOJ believes renders these restrictions unconstitutional. The determination by the DOJ stems from the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Enterprise Fund v. PCAOB, which addressed the limitations on presidential power over the removal of executive officers. … Read more

Barry McHugh Steps Up as New Administrative District Judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District

COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho — Barry McHugh has been appointed the new administrative district judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District, overseeing the five northern counties of the state. As of Jan. 1, McHugh replaces Judge Lamont Berecz, who will now serve as deputy administrative district judge. In his new role, McHugh will manage significant judicial responsibilities beyond presiding over cases. The position of an administrative district judge entails overseeing court operations, assigning judges to specific cases, and establishing local processes through administrative rulings. These judges are selected by their peers within the judicial district, underpinning the … Read more

How ‘Administrative Law’ Could Make or Break Trump’s Government Reform Agenda

While the term “administrative law” may not instantly engage the imagination, it is increasingly viewed as a vital arena capable of shaping the success or failure of former President Donald Trump’s ambitious plans for restructuring federal governance. At the heart of these efforts lies a complex legal system that governs the operations of government agencies and their interactions with the public. Administrative law is integral in determining how policies are implemented and how public administration is conducted. It largely dictates the procedures by which regulations are enforced, providing a framework that could either streamline or … Read more

University of Maryland Hosts Unstoppable Protest Despite Administrative Objections

College Park, MD – A student protest at the University of Maryland, initially targeted for suppression by university administrators, went ahead as planned, with demonstrators gathering to voice their concerns over campus policies and administrative decisions. This protest marks a significant moment of student activism concerning university governance and policy transparency. The protest, organized by a coalition of student groups, drew attention to several pertinent issues, including the need for greater inclusivity and the handling of sexual misconduct cases. Students expressed frustration with what they perceive as the administration’s lack of responsiveness to their concerns … Read more