What is a requirement before a party can file a suit against an agency, according to the exhaustion doctrine?

The exhaustion doctrine requires that a party must first utilize all potential administrative remedies available to them before they can pursue a lawsuit against an agency. This concept is grounded in the idea that administrative bodies should be given the opportunity to resolve disputes through their processes before being taken to court. By ensuring all available remedies have been exhausted, the legal system respects the expertise and processes of administrative agencies, potentially leading to a resolution without the need for judicial intervention.

The main purpose of this doctrine is to encourage parties to seek resolution through appropriate administrative channels, which can save time and resources for both the courts and the agencies involved. Once these remedies have been fully pursued and any decisions made by the agency have been finalized, then the party may seek judicial review if they still believe the agency's actions were incorrect or unjust.