Court Opinion

ID: 9691687
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 20:58:13.679925+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:19:25.182079
License: Public Domain

DISSENTING OPINION BY
Judge LEAVITT.
With due respect to the majority, I dissent.
The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission approved the application of Presque Isle Downs, Incorporated for a license to conduct horse races with pari-mutual wagering in Erie, Pennsylvania. This determination,1 however, is not a final order within the meaning of The Administrative Agency Law, 2 Pa.C.S. §§ 501-508, 701-704, and, therefore, it is prematurely presented to our appellate jurisdiction. I would transfer the Objectors’ petition for review to the Commission with instructions to conduct an adjudicatory hearing on whether the Objectors have standing and, if so, whether their factual and legal claims have merit. This was the course followed in Philadelphia County Medical Society v. Kaiser, 699 A.2d 800 (Pa.Cmwlth.1997), and it is the correct response here, where, again, we are presented with a determination that is preliminary, not final. In this administrative appeal, the Objectors should bear the burden of demonstrating the errors of the Commission in granting the license. However, the determination should not, pending administrative appeal, be vacated.

. The fact that the determination is labeled "adjudication" is of no moment. A true adjudication must be preceded by a formal administrative hearing that results in a final order that this Court can review in its appellate jurisdiction.