Substantive Law Study Support

The Chapter Overview introduces the processes of agencies receiving information to make decisions. Some of the processes are reports, records, hearings, subpoenas, and search warrants.

A. Definition and Purpose of Agency Investigations introduces the gathering of information processed by agencies.

B. Requirements for Gathering Information explains that the crux of
information agencies receive must be reasonably collectible, within agency jurisdiction, and of public interest.

C. Recordkeeping by individuals and businesses is the major source of agency
information, but clients are protected by the Fourth and Fifth amendments, the Privacy Act and Trade Secrets Act.

D. Inspections that take place at businesses to assure compliance with agency rules are usually with the consent of the business.

E. Investigatory Procedures studies the more stringent procedures of search
warrants and subpoenas.

The Chapter Summary explains that agency information gathering is subject to reasonable procedures which may be enforced by diligent methods.

The Advanced Studies offers documents of legal theory.

Suggestion: Encourage students to read Documents 1 and 2 as an exploration into the background of legal theories that prefer a different approach to the requirements of agency information gathering.