ALJs follow what type of rules while conducting hearings?

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) conduct hearings primarily following administrative guidelines. These guidelines are designed to ensure that legal procedures are followed in a consistent manner, reflecting the principles of due process and fairness in administrative hearings.

ALJs operate within a framework established by administrative agencies, which includes specific rules of procedure that govern how hearings are to be conducted, how evidence is presented, and how decisions are to be made. This set of procedures, which may vary by agency, specifies the rights of the parties involved, the conduct of the hearings, and how the findings are documented and communicated.

Judicial precedence, while important in the broader context of legal proceedings, is not the primary framework through which ALJs conduct administrative hearings. Instead, ALJs are primarily guided by the specific administrative rules set forth by the relevant agency, which emphasizes the importance of adhering to established practices that facilitate fair and efficient deliberation in administrative matters.