Can an administrative agency's final decision be appealed if proper procedures were not followed?

An administrative agency's final decision can indeed be appealed if proper procedures were not followed. The rationale behind this is rooted in the principles of due process and fairness. Administrative agencies are required to adhere to established procedures when making decisions. These procedures ensure that parties have the opportunity to present their case and respond to evidence against them.

If an agency fails to follow these procedures, it can lead to a decision that is arbitrary or capricious, potentially denying affected individuals their rights or proper consideration in the decision-making process. Courts recognize that such failures can undermine the integrity of the agency’s processes and its decisions, and therefore provide a grounds for appeal.

This right to appeal based on procedural errors helps uphold the rule of law and the principles of administrative fairness, allowing for appropriate recourse when an agency's actions deviate from its established protocols. This preserves the rights of the parties involved and helps ensure that administrative agencies operate within the bounds of their authority.