What type of decision is described as capricious?

A capricious decision is one that appears to be arbitrary or lacking a rational basis. This aligns with the description provided in the chosen answer, as a decision that changes established precedent without a sound rationale can be seen as capricious. It undermines the principles of consistency and predictability in administrative decision-making, which are critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring fairness.

When an agency departs from established precedent, it is expected to provide a reasoned explanation for this shift. Failing to do so renders the decision susceptible to being characterized as arbitrary or capricious, thereby potentially violating the standard required under the Administrative Procedure Act. The hallmark of a capricious decision is not just a change in direction, but rather the absence of a coherent justification that connects the decision to the agency's statutory mandate or established policies.

Other types of decisions, such as those based on past agency policy or expert testimony, imply a degree of deliberation and consideration of relevant factors, which are the opposites of capriciousness. While all agency decisions may be subject to judicial review, the mere fact of judicial review does not inherently indicate that a decision is capricious. Instead, what makes a decision capricious is the lack of a rational