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Independent Agencies Under Attack: A Skeptical View Of The Importance Of The Debate, Susan Bartlett Foote
Independent Agencies Under Attack: A Skeptical View Of The Importance Of The Debate, Susan Bartlett Foote
Duke Law Journal
The 1980s have witnessed two related but distinct attacks on independent agencies. 1 One attack is grounded in constitutional theory. Some have argued that independent agencies, those "strange amalgam[s]" that blend the functions of all three branches but are the creatures of none, violate the separation of powers doctrine in the Constitution. 2 This approach has been labeled "neoclassical" 3 or the "new formalism." 4 These terms suggest a rediscovery of fundamental constitutional principles. Another attack proceeds from an organizational perspective. Without clear lines of authority from one branch of government, independent agencies are politically unaccountable, and therefore vulnerable to …
Independent Agencies: Form And Substance In Executive Prerogative, Glen O. Robinson
Independent Agencies: Form And Substance In Executive Prerogative, Glen O. Robinson
Duke Law Journal
Among other things, the Supreme Court's decision in Morrison v. Olson, 1 upholding Congress's authorization of independent counsel to investigate and prosecute high-ranking government officials for violation of federal criminal laws, presumably will chill speculation that the Supreme Court is prepared to rethink the constitutionality of the independent agencies. Prior to the 1980s the constitutionality of the independent agencies had generally been thought secure on the strength of Humphrey's Executor. 2 Despite recurrent criticism of that decision, 3 there was no basis to think it was especially vulnerable. The Court's recent fascination with separation of powers, 4 however, invited speculation …