To what does the doctrine of separation of functions apply in administrative law?

The doctrine of separation of functions in administrative law is primarily concerned with ensuring that different governmental functions—specifically, rulemaking and adjudication—are not conducted by the same entity or individuals to prevent bias and maintain fairness. This doctrine mandates that the agency responsible for creating regulations or rules (rulemaking) should be separate from the agency that resolves disputes or makes determinations in specific cases (adjudication).

In other words, this principle is particularly applied to adjudicative proceedings, where due process requirements necessitate that the decision-maker is impartial and not involved in the formulation of the rules they are applying. This separation helps to uphold the integrity of the administrative process, ensuring that individuals' rights are protected when they are involved in proceedings before an agency.

While the doctrine is most commonly associated with adjudication, it is not limited to just one type of proceeding; it also has implications for rulemaking, although the focus of the doctrine is often seen more clearly in the context of adjudication where individual rights are at stake. However, the correct answer in this case emphasizes the specific applicability of this doctrine to adjudication proceedings, highlighting its role in safeguarding the fairness of those processes.