What rules do federal administrative agencies typically follow in adjudication proceedings?

Federal administrative agencies typically follow more relaxed rules of evidence during adjudication proceedings rather than the strict rules applied in federal courts. This allows for a more flexible approach, enabling agencies to efficiently handle a variety of cases where the complexities of formal court procedures may hinder their operations. The adjudicatory process in administrative agencies is designed to be less formal, focusing on finding relevant facts and making determinations in a way that may better serve the public interest or specialized regulatory needs.

This flexibility is important because administrative agencies often deal with a wide array of issues, from regulatory compliance to benefits claims, where an overly stringent application of evidence rules could obstruct the agency's ability to fulfill its mission effectively. Consequently, instead of adhering to the same strict evidentiary standards as federal courts, these agencies opt for rules that facilitate the admission of evidence relevant to the case, supporting their goal of reaching fair and informed decisions efficiently.