In the context of agency decisions, what does "arbitrary" mean?

In the context of agency decisions, "arbitrary" refers to actions or decisions that lack a rational justification or do not align with previous policies or standards established by the agency. This concept is crucial in administrative law, where agencies must operate within the bounds of reasonableness and provide a sound basis for their decisions.

When an agency acts arbitrarily, it may be disregarding established procedures or failing to consider relevant factors that should influence its decision-making process. Courts often review agency actions for arbitrariness as part of the judicial review process, which helps to ensure that agencies are held accountable for their decisions and that they adhere to principles of fairness and reasoned decision-making.

In contrast, options indicating that decisions are based on clearly defined rules, supported by extensive evidence, or following established precedent suggest that an agency's actions are grounded in systematic procedures and justifications, which do not embody the notion of arbitrariness.