PARTIES TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS

It is the purpose of this article to examine the statutory provisions, and the regulations and practices of the federal agencies, dealing with the rights of third persons, along with the relevant judicial decisions. The rights of third persons to notice, to participation in the hearing, and to appeal will be considered in turn. In general, the ultimate purposes of an administrative hearing are to inform the agency, to serve as a check upon arbitrary action, and to enable the individuals who will be affected by the decision to confront their opponents and to present their case in its best light. Participation of third persons in an administrative hearing should depend very largely upon the extent to which these ends can be served thereby