Opinion ID: 1061059
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Facial Constitutionality of a Statute

Text: The facial constitutionality of a statute may not be determined by an administrative tribunal in an administrative proceeding. An administrative agency is a creation of the legislature. While it may have judicial characteristics and may be required to perform quasi-judicial functions, an agency is not part of the judicial branch of government. Plasti-Line, Inc. v. Human Rights Comm'n, et al., 746 S.W.2d 691, 694 (Tenn. 1988). As a result, the legislature may not confer upon an agency the power to determine the constitutionality of a statute. Hoover Motor Exp. Co., Inc. v. Railroad & Public Utilities Comm'n, 195 Tenn. 593, 261 S.W.2d 233, 238 (Tenn. 1953); Pharr v. Nashville, C. & St. L. Ry., 186 Tenn. 154, 208 S.W.2d 1013, 1017 (1948). Nor may an agency assume that power. That power rests with the judiciary. Tennessee Small School Sys. v. McWherter, 851 S.W.2d 139, 148 (Tenn. 1993). To vest an agency with the authority to determine the constitutionality of the legislation empowering the agency to act would violate the doctrine of the separation of powers. Tenn. Const.Art. II, §§ 1 & 2. Therefore, we reiterate that an administrative agency, board, commission or administrative law judge acting in a contested case hearing has no authority to resolve facial challenges to the constitutionality of a statute.