A court’s review of a quasi-judicial administrative hearing is limited

A court’s review of a quasi-judicial administrative hearing is limited
Mannino v Department of Motor Vehicles.- Traffic Violations Division, 2012 NY Slip Op 08529, Appellate Division, Second Department

In this CPLR Article 78 proceeding the Appellate Division reviewed a determination of the Administrative Appeals Board of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles that confirmed a determination of an Administrative Law Judge.

Sustaining the Board’s decision, and dismissing the proceeding on the merits, the Appellate Division set out the following guidelines addressing the role of the courts in considering appeals from a quasi-judicial administrative decision.

The court said:

[1] To annul an administrative determination made after a hearing directed by law at which evidence is taken, a court must conclude that the record lacks substantial evidence to support the determination, explaining that substantial evidence is "such relevant proof as a reasonable mind may accept as adequate to support a conclusion or ultimate fact;" and

[2] The courts may not weigh the evidence or reject the choice made by an administrative agency or tribunal where the evidence is conflicting and room for choice exists.

Deciding, upon review of the record, the record demonstrates that the findings of the Administrative Law Judge are supported by substantial evidence, the Appellate Division dismissed the appeal.

The decision is posted on the Internet at:

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/reporter/3dseries/2012/2012_08529.htm