Court Opinion

ID: 9853476
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-09-24 05:49:27.528688+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:22:49.647208
License: Public Domain

RABINOWITZ, Justice,
with whom BOO-CHEVER, Chief Justice, joins, concurring.
Although I agree with the result reached by the court, I deem it appropriate to artic*664ulate what I conceive to the applicable standard of review in the case at bar. In the past in reviewing administrative decisions involving questions of law, we have recognized that two standards apply. In matters involving agency expertise, a “reasonable basis” standard is to be used. In matters where no expertise is required, a “substitution of judgment” test is involved. Jager v. State 537 P.2d 1100, 1107 n. 23 (Alaska 1975). In my view, the instant case involves matters of agency expertise (j.e. giving content to the phrases “available for full-time work” and “available for suitable work”) which reflect administrative experience with the subject matter and realization of statutory policies. See Oil Heat Institute, Inc. v. Alaska Public Service Corp., 515 P.2d 1229, 1233 n. 1 (Alaska 1973).