Opinion ID: 1852713
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reprimand

Text: Wisdom argues that the Commission's decision to also reprimand him was not in accordance with the law since the statute empowers it only to suspend or revoke a license. N.D.C.C., § 43-23-11.1(1). The Commission simply asserts that the power to suspend or revoke necessarily carries with it the lesser sanction of reprimand, without submitting any supporting authority. Generally, if authorized by law and if justified in fact, imposition of a regulatory sanction by an administrative agency is a discretionary exercise of power. See, e.g., Panhandle Co-op. Ass'n, Bridgeport, Neb. v. E.P.A., 771 F.2d 1149 (8th Cir.1985); Butz v. Glover Livestock Commission Co., 411 U.S. 182, 93 S.Ct. 1455, 36 L.Ed.2d 142 (1973). The only question here is whether a reprimand is authorized by law. Since a reprimand is essentially akin to a brief suspension, we conclude that it is comprehended within the power to suspend. [1] See also N.D.C.C., § 31-11-05(27) (The greater contains the less.). We affirm the decision of the district court affirming the Commission. ERICKSTAD, C.J., and GIERKE and VANDE WALLE, JJ., concur.