Regulatory Authority
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A Regulatory Authority or Regulator is a government agency that regulates an area of human activity by codifying and enforcing rules and regulations, supervision or oversight, for the benefit of the public at large. It is usually a part of the executive arm of the government or has statutory authority to perform its functions. Regulatory authorities are commonly set up to enforce standards and safety, to oversee use of public goods and regulate commercial activities. Examples of regulatory agencies are the US Food and Drug Administration, the UK Ofcom and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
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[edit] Role in Public Affairs
The Regulatory process has three basic elements
- Ensure that the exercise of regulatory power is rule based.
- Regulated agencies have an effective means to defend themselves against unauthorized or arbitrary requirements or liabilities,
- The wider interest group have a means to have their views considered and addressed in administrative decisions
[edit] Functioning
To ensure that it does fulfill its role, a Regulatory Body uses mechanisms such as the following
- transparency of information and decision making
- procedures of consultation and participation
- requirement that administrators give reasons explaining their actions
- requirement that administrators follow principles that promote non-arbitrary and responsive decisions
- arrangements for review of administrative decisions by courts or other bodies
[edit] Criticism
Regulatory Agencies are sometimes accused of hindering competitive forces and/or hindering freedom of speech.
[edit] Alternatives
[edit] References
Global Administrative Law A Talk by Richard Stewart at University of Rome, La Sapienza. June 13, 2005
[edit] See Also
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