Maryland
How Burlington Northern R.R. Co. v. Surface Transportation Board applies in Maryland: state-specific rules, key cases, and bar exam notes for Administrative Law.
Maryland adheres to similar principles articulated in Burlington Northern, recognizing the need for substantial evidence when reviewing administrative decisions. The state also emphasizes the importance of due process in administrative proceedings.
In Maryland, the rule is that administrative agencies must demonstrate that their decisions are supported by substantial evidence in the record, and they must afford affected parties the due process rights afforded by law.
The court held that administrative agencies must provide a clear rationale for their decisions and adhere to procedural due process.
The court ruled that administrative agency decisions must be based on evidence presented in hearings, affirming the substantial evidence standard.
The court emphasized the necessity for agencies to follow established procedural guidelines, reinforcing fair treatment in agency decision-making.
Maryland's approach mirrors the federal standard set forth in Burlington Northern in that both require substantial evidence as a foundation for agency decisions. However, Maryland further emphasizes additional procedural protections unique to state administrative law.
This case is relevant for the Maryland bar exam in understanding the standards for judicial review of administrative actions and the importance of evidentiary support in agency decisions.