Federal Law

Explore a comprehensive collection of articles, video interviews, and resources related to federal law, designed to inform and empower individuals navigating the complexities of the legal system. Visitors can find in-depth discussions on key federal statutes, landmark Supreme Court cases, and insights from experienced attorneys specializing in federal legal matters. Whether you're seeking clarification on federal regulations or looking for expert legal advice, this category serves as a vital resource for understanding federal law's impact on various aspects of life and business.

192 posts

Arbitrary and capricious challenges in environmental regulation cases

Administrative Law Court Decision

Arbitrary and capricious challenges in environmental regulation cases

November 20, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Courts can vacate an environmental regulation under the APA if it is “arbitrary and capricious” because the agency failed to examine key evidence or explain its decision. The standard requires a reasoned, record-based explanation and consideration of relevant factors, not just a policy preference. This article explains the test, key case law, and how litigants […]

Agency discretion limits under arbitrary and capricious review

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

Agency discretion limits under arbitrary and capricious review

November 20, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Under the APA, courts set aside agency actions that are “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law” (5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A)). Agencies must show a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made, consider relevant factors, and explain departures from prior policy. This article outlines how that […]

The hard look doctrine’s role in arbitrary and capricious determinations

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

The hard look doctrine’s role in arbitrary and capricious determinations

November 20, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Under the APA, courts apply the hard look doctrine to enforce the “arbitrary and capricious” standard by requiring agencies to give a reasoned explanation grounded in the record. If an agency ignores important factors, contradicts evidence, or fails to address alternatives, the action can be set aside. This article explains the doctrine’s origins, how courts […]

How to challenge agency rulemaking as arbitrary and capricious

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

How to challenge agency rulemaking as arbitrary and capricious

November 20, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Under the APA, courts will set aside an agency rule as “arbitrary and capricious” if the agency failed to give a reasoned explanation or ignored key evidence in the record. A successful challenge typically shows the rule conflicts with the statute, relies on improper factors, or fails to address important comments. This article explains the […]

Procedural vs. substantive arbitrary and capricious review: What’s the difference?

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

Procedural vs. substantive arbitrary and capricious review: What’s the difference?

November 20, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Procedural arbitrary and capricious review targets flaws in the agency’s decisionmaking process (e.g., ignored comments or inadequate explanation), while substantive review targets the reasonableness of the outcome based on the record. Both apply under the APA’s “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion” standard in 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A). This article explains the differences, key cases, […]

Circuit court interpretations: Analyzing arbitrary and capricious rulings

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

Circuit court interpretations: Analyzing arbitrary and capricious rulings

November 19, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

The APA’s “arbitrary and capricious” standard appears in 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A) and requires agencies to show a reasoned explanation grounded in the record. Circuit courts apply it by checking whether the agency considered relevant factors and explained departures from prior policy without ignoring key evidence. This article compares major circuit approaches and what they […]

Landmark Supreme Court cases shaping the arbitrary and capricious standard

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

Landmark Supreme Court cases shaping the arbitrary and capricious standard

November 19, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

The Supreme Court has shaped the arbitrary and capricious standard through at least 5 major decisions, including Overton Park, State Farm, Chevron, Fox Television, and Encino Motorcars. These cases require agencies to offer reasoned explanations and consider relevant factors under the Administrative Procedure Act. This article summarizes each ruling’s rule and its practical impact on […]

Arbitrary and capricious vs. substantial evidence: Key differences explained

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

Arbitrary and capricious vs. substantial evidence: Key differences explained

November 19, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

The key difference is that “arbitrary and capricious” is a deferential reasoned-decisionmaking check, while “substantial evidence” requires enough record support that a reasonable mind could accept. Arbitrary-and-capricious review focuses on the agency’s explanation; substantial-evidence review focuses on evidentiary support in the administrative record. This article explains when each standard applies and how courts evaluate agency […]

What level of deference do courts provide to agency decisions under the arbitrary and capricious standard?

Administrative Law Constitutional Law

What level of deference do courts provide to agency decisions under the arbitrary and capricious standard?

November 18, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Under the arbitrary and capricious standard, courts apply a deferential review and will uphold an agency action if it shows a rational connection between the facts found and the choice made. Courts do not substitute their judgment, but they will set aside decisions lacking reasoned explanation, ignoring key evidence, or violating law. This article explains […]

What Should I Do If I’m Accused of a Cybercrime?

Constitutional Law Criminal Defense

What Should I Do If I’m Accused of a Cybercrime?

November 16, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

If you’re accused of a cybercrime, stop communicating about the allegation, preserve all digital evidence, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Early missteps—like deleting files, posting online, or “explaining” to investigators—can trigger additional charges and weaken your defense. This article explains what to do in the first 24–48 hours, your rights during questioning and […]

How are recent Supreme Court decisions affecting gun rights and domestic violence laws?

Civil Rights Constitutional Law

How are recent Supreme Court decisions affecting gun rights and domestic violence laws?

November 11, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Recent Supreme Court rulings have expanded Second Amendment protections while allowing some limits for people linked to domestic violence—most notably by upholding the federal ban on gun possession for certain restraining-order subjects. These decisions are reshaping how courts evaluate firearms restrictions under the Constitution and what evidence lawmakers must show to justify them. This article […]

What Are Heroin Laws in United States?

Compliance Violations Criminal Charges

What Are Heroin Laws in United States?

November 11, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Heroin is illegal in all 50 states under U.S. law as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. That classification means it has no accepted medical use federally and carries steep penalties for possession, trafficking, and manufacturing, with consequences that vary by state and circumstances. This article explains federal and state heroin […]

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