Fukuda v. City of Angels

Opinion

GEORGE, C. J.

We granted review to address two important questions of administrative law arising in instances in which a trial court is required to exercise “independent judgment” review of an agency determination. First, in exercising such review, must a trial court afford a “strong presumption” that the administrative findings are correct? Second, does the petitioner seeking a writ of administrative mandamus pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5 bear the burden of proving that these findings are incorrect?

The Court of Appeal answered both questions in the negative,…