Administrative Law Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Public Body Law

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a ground for applying for judicial review?

Accepted Answer

Equity

Answer

Illegality

Answer

Irrationality

Answer

Proportionality

Question 2

What is the name of the legal concept that limits the powers of public bodies to act only within the scope of their legal authority?

Accepted Answer

Ultra vires

Answer

Mens rea

Answer

Delegatus non potest delegare

Answer

Estoppel

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a type of administrative law tribunal?

Accepted Answer

Court of Appeal

Answer

First-tier Tribunal

Answer

Upper Tribunal

Answer

Tax Tribunal

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for establishing a legitimate expectation?

Accepted Answer

It must be enforceable by law

Answer

It must be based on a clear and unambiguous promise or representation made by a public body

Answer

It must be sufficient to induce reliance on the part of the individual

Answer

It must relate to a matter that is within the public body's powers

Question 5

What is the key difference between a quashing order and a mandatory order in judicial review?

Accepted Answer

A quashing order sets aside a public body's decision, while a mandatory order requires the public body to take specific action

Answer

A mandatory order sets aside a public body's decision, while a quashing order requires the public body to take specific action

Answer

There is no difference between a quashing order and a mandatory order

Answer

A quashing order is only available in cases involving public law matters, while a mandatory order is only available in cases involving private law matters

Question 6

How does the Human Rights Act 1998 impact UK administrative law?

Accepted Answer

It incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, influencing the interpretation of administrative powers and decisions

Answer

It creates a new independent body to oversee administrative actions

Answer

It abolishes the principle of judicial review

Answer

It provides a new right to compensation for victims of administrative wrongdoing

Question 7

Which factor is NOT generally considered by courts when exercising their discretion to grant judicial review?

Accepted Answer

The political affiliation of the applicant

Answer

The strength of the applicant's case

Answer

The public interest

Answer

The availability of alternative remedies

Question 8

What is the primary role of the ombudsman in the system of administrative law?

Accepted Answer

To investigate complaints against public bodies and make recommendations for resolution

Answer

To make binding decisions on complaints and enforce compliance

Answer

To provide legal advice to public bodies on administrative matters

Answer

To represent individuals in judicial review proceedings

Question 9

Which principle of administrative justice emphasizes the importance of open and transparent decision-making processes?

Accepted Answer

Transparency

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Accountability

Answer

Efficiency

Question 10

How has the common law shaped the development of administrative law in the UK?

Accepted Answer

It provides a framework for judicial review and establishes principles of administrative fairness

Answer

It creates a separate body of law that governs all aspects of administrative action

Answer

It is the sole source of authority for administrative law principles

Answer

It has no significant influence on administrative law

Question 11

What principle ensures that administrative decisions are made in a just and impartial manner, without bias or prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Natural justice

Answer

Procedural fairness

Answer

Legitimate expectation

Answer

Reasonableness

Question 12

Which type of judicial review remedy compels an administrative body to perform a specific action?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory order

Answer

Damages

Answer

Injunction

Answer

Quashing order

Question 13

How has the Human Rights Act of 1998 impacted administrative law, specifically in relation to judicial review?

Accepted Answer

Expanded the grounds for challenging administrative decisions

Answer

Limited the extent of judicial review

Answer

Reduced the importance of legal precedents in judicial reviews

Answer

Eliminated the principle of natural justice in judicial reviews

Question 14

When assessing the reasonableness of a public body's decision, which factor is NOT taken into account by courts?

Accepted Answer

Alignment with government policy

Answer

Evidence presented to the public body

Answer

Public body's specialized knowledge

Answer

Impact on individuals

Question 15

Select the principle that does NOT serve as a ground for judicial review of administrative actions:

Accepted Answer

Procedural justice

Answer

Illegality

Answer

Irrationality

Answer

Legitimate expectation

Question 16

In judicial review, the test for determining irrationality of a decision involves assessing:

Accepted Answer

Whether the decision could reasonably be made by any person

Answer

Whether the decision is based on relevant factors

Answer

Whether the decision-maker acted in good faith

Answer

Whether the decision is proportionate to its intended purpose

Question 17

Specify the two main types of public inquiries:

Accepted Answer

Statutory inquiries and non-statutory inquiries

Answer

Public inquiries and private inquiries

Answer

Mandatory Inquiries and Discretionary Inquiries

Answer

Internal Inquiries and External Inquiries

Question 18

What is the principle of ultra vires?

Accepted Answer

Public bodies can only exercise powers that are expressly granted to them by law.

Answer

Public bodies can exercise powers that are implied as necessary to fulfill their functions.

Answer

Public bodies can exercise any powers that are not expressly prohibited by law.

Answer

Public bodies are always liable for the actions of their employees.

Question 19

What is the significance of the Human Rights Act 1998 in administrative law?

Accepted Answer

It has given individuals new rights to challenge the actions of public bodies.

Answer

It has replaced the traditional grounds of judicial review.

Answer

It has no impact on administrative law.

Answer

It has limited the availability of judicial review.

Question 20

What is the distinction between a mandatory duty and a directory duty?

Accepted Answer

A mandatory duty must be complied with, while a directory duty may be disregarded.

Answer

A directory duty must be complied with, while a mandatory duty may be disregarded.

Answer

There is no distinction between a mandatory duty and a directory duty.

Answer

A mandatory duty is imposed by statute, while a directory duty is imposed by case law.

Question 21

What is the significance of the Anisminic case in administrative law?

Accepted Answer

It established that public bodies can be liable for their actions even if they have acted in good faith.

Answer

It established that public bodies are immune from liability for their actions.

Answer

It established that public bodies can only be liable for their actions if they have acted negligently.

Answer

It established that public bodies are always liable for the actions of their employees.

Question 22

Who has the burden of proof in judicial review proceedings?

Accepted Answer

The applicant

Answer

The public body

Question 23

Explain the principle of natural justice.

Accepted Answer

The right to a fair hearing

Answer

The right to legal representation

Answer

The right to silence

Answer

The right to a trial by jury

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a ground for judicial review of administrative law actions?

Accepted Answer

Reasonableness (actions that fail a flexible standard of reasonableness)

Answer

Illegality (actions outside the powers of the body)

Answer

Irrationality (actions that deviate excessively from permissible limits)

Answer

Procedural impropriety (actions resulting from flawed procedures)

Question 25

What is the principle of ultra vires?

Accepted Answer

Public bodies are limited to the powers explicitly granted to them by law.

Answer

Public bodies may exceed their powers if it is in the public interest.

Answer

Public bodies can delegate their powers without explicit statutory authority.

Answer

Public bodies are not liable for actions taken in good faith.

Question 26

In administrative law, what is the primary role of the courts?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing the legality of public body decisions

Answer

Making decisions on behalf of public bodies

Answer

Providing legal advice to public bodies

Answer

Enforcing the decisions of public bodies

Question 27

What is the primary purpose of the Human Rights Act 1998?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law

Answer

Empowering individuals to sue the government for human rights violations

Answer

Establishing a new supreme court for the UK

Answer

Abolishing the death penalty

Question 28

Distinguish between direct and indirect discrimination.

Accepted Answer

Direct discrimination: unfavorable treatment based on a protected characteristic; Indirect discrimination: a policy or practice disproportionately affecting a particular group

Answer

Direct discrimination: unfavorable treatment based on race; Indirect discrimination: unfavorable treatment based on religion

Answer

Direct discrimination is unlawful, while indirect discrimination is not.

Answer

Indirect discrimination is more prevalent than direct discrimination.

Question 29

Explain the principle of proportionality in administrative law.

Accepted Answer

Public bodies must not take actions that are excessively severe for the intended purpose

Answer

Public bodies must always take the least restrictive action possible

Answer

Public bodies must always act in the best interests of the public

Answer

Public bodies cannot discriminate on the basis of race or gender

Question 30

Differentiate between a legitimate aim and a proportionate means in administrative law.

Accepted Answer

A legitimate aim is the reason for taking action, while a proportionate means is the method used to achieve it.

Answer

A legitimate aim is always lawful, while a proportionate means may not be.

Answer

A proportionate means is always the most restrictive way to achieve a legitimate aim.

Answer

A legitimate aim and a proportionate means are essentially the same thing.