How does an appellate court make its review determinations in administrative law cases?

An appellate court in administrative law cases primarily relies on the established administrative record when making its review determinations. This administrative record consists of all the documents, evidence, and proceedings from the initial agency decision-making process. The appellate court examines this existing record to determine whether the agency acted within its statutory authority, followed proper procedures, and made decisions that were reasonable and supported by substantial evidence.

The use of the established administrative record is foundational because administrative agencies are often specialized entities with expertise in their respective areas. Therefore, appellate courts do not typically entertain new evidence or re-evaluate the factual determinations made by the agency; instead, they focus on whether the agency's decision was reasonable based on the record that was available to the agency at the time of its decision.

In contrast, choices suggesting that the appellate court relies on new evidence, internal policies only, or conducts a fact re-evaluation misrepresent the standard appellate review process. Appellate courts are not fact-finders; rather, they serve to ensure that the law was properly applied, making the established administrative record the cornerstone of their review.