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
What Are Identity Theft Laws in United States?

What Are Identity Theft Laws in United States?

U.S. identity theft laws are primarily enforced under federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 1028 and § 1028A, which can carry penalties ranging from fines to up to 15 years in prison (plus a mandatory 2-year consecutive term for aggravated identity theft). States also have their own identity theft and fraud laws, so charges and […]
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What are my rights regarding overtime pay?

What are my rights regarding overtime pay?

Most hourly employees must receive overtime pay of at least 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek under federal law, though exemptions apply. State rules can provide additional protections, and employers must generally count compensable work time when calculating overtime. This article explains who qualifies for overtime, common exemptions and […]
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How does a cybercrime defense differ from traditional criminal defense?

How does a cybercrime defense differ from traditional criminal defense?

A cybercrime defense differs from traditional criminal defense by focusing on digital evidence—logs, metadata, device forensics, and network activity—and on proving attribution and intent in online conduct. These cases often turn on complex technical analysis, data preservation issues, and laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act alongside state statutes. This article explains key strategy […]
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Arbitrary and capricious review in financial regulation enforcement

Arbitrary and capricious review in financial regulation enforcement

Courts apply “arbitrary and capricious” review under APA §706(2)(A) to set aside financial enforcement actions lacking reasoned explanation. Agencies must connect facts to conclusions and address key evidence and arguments. This article explains the standard, common enforcement pitfalls, and practical implications for regulated entities. The application of arbitrary and capricious review in financial regulation enforcement […]
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Arbitrary and capricious challenges in environmental regulation cases

Arbitrary and capricious challenges in environmental regulation cases

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 […]
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Agency discretion limits under arbitrary and capricious review

Agency discretion limits under arbitrary and capricious review

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

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

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 […]
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How to challenge agency rulemaking as arbitrary and capricious

How to challenge agency rulemaking as arbitrary and capricious

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

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

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, […]
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Circuit court interpretations: Analyzing arbitrary and capricious rulings

Circuit court interpretations: Analyzing arbitrary and capricious rulings

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 […]
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Landmark Supreme Court cases shaping the arbitrary and capricious standard

Landmark Supreme Court cases shaping the arbitrary and capricious standard

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 […]
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Arbitrary and capricious vs. substantial evidence: Key differences explained

Arbitrary and capricious vs. substantial evidence: Key differences explained

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 […]
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