Supreme Court to decide if federal agency can impose fines without going to court

The Justice Department has cautioned the Supreme Court about the potential collapse of the entire federal administrative fines system. This warning stems from a case concerning the Labor Department’s authority to unilaterally assess fines on employers misusing the farm worker guest program. A ruling against the Labor Department could have far-reaching implications for how federal agencies enforce regulations.

• The Justice Department warned the Supreme Court about a potential collapse of federal administrative fines.
• The case involves the Labor Department’s ability to unilaterally assess fines.
• The fines are related to employers abusing the farm worker guest program.