When reviewing an agency's interpretation of law, what is the first question a court should consider?

The first question a court should consider when reviewing an agency's interpretation of law is whether the enabling statute directly addresses the issue. This is fundamental because the authority of the agency to interpret the law is rooted in the enabling statute itself, which grants the agency its powers and dictates the scope of its interpretations.

If the statute clearly specifies certain parameters or definitions relevant to the issue at hand, then the court must adhere to that legislative intent. Understanding the statute's language and purpose is essential because it informs whether the agency has overstepped its bounds or is acting within the limits prescribed by law.

While other factors, such as public acceptance, procedural adherence, and potential public concern, play a role in the overall context of interpreting an agency's regulations, they become secondary to the need to first ascertain the statute's direct guidance on the matter. This approach ensures that agencies do not operate beyond their legislative mandates and remain aligned with the intention of the lawmakers.