Rethinking Deference for Algorithmic Decision-Making

We are used to enquiring whether administrative law adopts a sufficient level of 'deference', where particular tasks have been delegated to particular human entities as a result of their particular expertise or accountability. However, as we move increasingly away from human intervention towards the use of automated algorithmic decision-making by public authorities we will need to re-think our traditional instincts on this front. This article considers the situations in which such automated decision-making is already or may shortly be used and the challenges (as well as potential advantages) that this brings. It examines how the traditional doctrines of administrative law can be strengthened in order to address these challenges, optimise these benefits and ensure that administrative law can continue to play a significant role in this more digital context