Major-Questions Doctrine

Major-Questions Doctrine

Definition

Judicially created principle of statutory interpretation that ambiguous language in a federal statute should not be interpreted as a delegation of Congress's authority over questions of major political or economic significance because Congress will use clear language if it intends to delegate that kind of extraordinary authority to an administrative agency or other part of the executive branch.

Related rules

A compilation of all the rules of law on our site relating to this key term.

— Alabama Association of Realtors, et al. v. Department of Health and Human Services, et al.

— Biden v. Nebraska

— Food and Drug Administration v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp.

— Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump

— National Federation of Independent Business v. Occupational Safety & Health Administration

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