University of Cambridge, Faculty of Law

Administrative Law (Tripos)

Syllabus
  1. Introduction: statutory interpretation; the role of the judiciary; appeal and review; the ambit and scope of review; the ultra vires rule; the constitutional foundations and legitimacy of judicial review.
  2. Jurisdictional Control: error of fact; error of law. Collateral challenge and nullity.
  3. Control of Discretionary Power: retention of discretion (including dictation, delegation, over-rigid policies and fettering by contract).
  4. Control of Discretionary Power: abuse of discretion (including unreasonableness, bad faith, irrelevant considerations, improper purposes and proportionality).
  5. Procedural Requirements: fairness and the rules of natural justice.
  6. The Nature and Scope of the Doctrines of Legitimate Expectations and Estoppel.
  7. Remedies: restrictions on review (including standing, exclusion of review and discretion to withhold).
  8. Remedies: the public/private distinction; remedies available in judicial review proceedings (including damages).