What phrase describes the completion of all possible administrative procedures and appeals before appealing an agency action to a court?

• A. Exhaustion of administrative remedies
• B. Bilateral contract
• C. Third-party beneficiary
• D. Contract

Answer: (A)

Exhaustion of administrative remedies is the requirement to complete all available administrative procedures and appeals before challenging an agency action in court. This ensures the agency has a full opportunity to address the issue, correct its errors, and develop a complete record for any judicial review. Courts generally won’t review an agency decision until those internal remedies are exhausted, promoting efficiency and respect for the agency’s expertise. If remedies aren’t exhausted, the case may be dismissed or postponed until the administrative process runs its course.

The other terms are not about following agency procedures. A bilateral contract involves mutual promises between two parties, a third-party beneficiary is someone intended to benefit from a contract who isn’t a party, and a contract is a binding agreement between parties.