a government body responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest. For example, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in addition to its other duties, administers the laws regulating access to communication facilities such as television and radio airwaves. Administrative agencies are also calledREGULATORY AGENCIES.
EXAMPLE:
The Environmental Protection Agency was created by Congress to protect the quality of the nation's air, water, and land. Pursuant to that goal, the agency monitors air pollution in cities, sewage treatment plants, chemical landfills, etc. The Federal Trade Commission regulates commercial practices and takes action against deceptive advertising and monopolistic activity. There are many federal and state administrative agencies that enforce federal and state policies in particular areas of governmental regulation.
"It is settled in this state that common law certiorari is limited only to review of judicial or quasi-judicial orders of administrative boards, bodies or officers. In determining whether review by certiorari of the administrative order questioned in this proceeding is one which may be reviewed only by certiorari within the contemplation of Rule 4.1, we must first determine whether the order in question is quasi-judicial in character."
