United States v. Morgan - 313 U.S. 409, 61 S. Ct. 999 (1941)

Rule:

It is not the function of the court to probe the mental processes of the Secretary of Agriculture. Just as a judge cannot be subjected to such a scrutiny, so the integrity of the administrative process must be equally respected. Although the administrative process has had a different development and pursues somewhat different ways from those of courts, they are to be deemed collaborative instrumentalities of justice and the appropriate independence of each should be respected by the other. 

Facts:

The Secretary of Agriculture issued an order setting maximum rates to be charged by market agencies for their services at stockyards. The market agencies brought suit to set aside the order. The secretary issued a new schedule of rates for an impounding period. The district court held the order invalid and directed distribution of the funds to plaintiff market agencies. It was argued that the market agencies were denied a full hearing. 

Issue:

Did the district court err in holding the order of the The Secretary of Agriculture invalid?

Answer:

Yes

Conclusion:

The court reversed the district court's order. The court found that the secretary did not disregard changed market conditions during the impounding period. The court determined that the secretary was responsibly conscious of conditions at the market during the years following 1933, he duly weighed them, and concluded that rates similar to those in the 1933 order were proper. The secretary's order furnished the appropriate basis for action in the district court in making distribution of the impounding funds. The record left no doubt that the secretary appropriately discharged his duty.