Adjudication proceedings commence on a complaint filed by the concerned administrative agency. These proceedings resolve disputes and differences by and between the agency and different stakeholders interacting with such body.
This forum is not bound by the strict rules of evidence, civil procedure or technicalities, unlike courts of law. As such, the approach is relatively informal here. However, these agencies have to deal with far more cases than courts.
Adjudication spans a wide spectrum of spheres covering the various fields of public function of the different administrative agencies such as securities market, environment, commercial aviation, medical equipment manufacturing, workers’ compensation and social security benefits etc.
These matters are finally disposed off by an administrative order as distinguished from a judicial order.
An administrative law judge who is referred to as the hearing examiner presides over the hearing. He is usually an expert in the relevant field. Unlike a court, there is no jury trial in administrative proceedings.
After the respondent replies to the complaint, both sides are allowed to discover each other’s evidence and documents so that none is taken by surprise and can effectively meet the allegations against him. Parties tender their evidence either through written report or through witness action. Any party can cross-examine the witness of the opponent to test his credibility and veracity.
The Administrative Procedure Act allows the parties to cases before the federal agencies the right to notice of the proceedings and the issues for decision.
