Opinion ID: 427559
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Less Oppressive Measures

Text: 32 Diane's final argument is that the J.O. failed to note less oppressive measures which could have prevented circumvention. Her argument fails for two reasons. First, we see no legal requirement that the agency employ the least oppressive measures available. On this point, the only authority Diane cites is Greene v. Sinclair, 491 F.Supp. 19 (W.D.Mich.1980), a case involving the least restrictive alternative doctrine with regard to discretionary licensing affecting first amendment interests. That doctrine is inapposite to licensing under the Packers and Stockyards Act, at least in the usual case. The least restrictive alternative doctrine is not a limit on the agency's broad discretion in formulating sanctions where no first amendment or analogous interests are involved. Denying Diane's registration during the Corporation's suspension is well within that discretion. See Part II-B supra. 33 In any event, the less oppressive measures Diane would have the USDA adopt miss the point. She urges that the USDA could carefully monitor her operations to ensure that Philip Jr. was not operating the stockyard while he was suspended. Such monitoring would, of course, address a violation of the suspension, not a circumvention. She fails to recognize that the mere fact that a Mattes is operating the very same stockyard during the suspension, in an uninterrupted fashion, undermines the economic effect of the suspensions and tends to nullify their deterrent effect. 34 We acknowledge that Diane has a legitimate interest in pursuing a livelihood. Certainly, the USDA cannot prevent her from earning an income merely because the Corporation and her husband are suspended. However, there is no indication that an application for registration from Diane which did not threaten to circumvent the suspension order would have been denied.