Definitions — Us Code Code § 592

Us Code Code § 592 — Definitions. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 592. Definitions

For the purpose of this subchapter—

(1) "administrative program" includes a Federal function which involves protection of the public interest and the determination of rights, privileges, and obligations of private persons through rule making, adjudication, licensing, or investigation, as those terms are used in subchapter II of this chapter, except that it does not include a military or foreign affairs function of the United States;

(2) "administrative agency" means an authority as defined by section 551(1) of this title; and

(3) "administrative procedure" means procedure used in carrying out an administrative program and is to be broadly construed to include any aspect of agency organization, procedure, or management which may affect the equitable consideration of public and private interests, the fairness of agency decisions, the speed of agency action, and the relationship of operating methods to later judicial review, but does not include the scope of agency responsibility as established by law or matters of substantive policy committed by law to agency discretion.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 388, §572; renumbered §592, Pub. L. 102–354, §2(2), Aug. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 944.)

Historical and Revision Notes
DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes and

Statutes at Large

5 U.S.C. 1045a. Aug. 30, 1964, Pub. L. 88–499, §3, 78 Stat. 615.

In paragraph (1), the words "subchapter II of this chapter" are substituted for "the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1001–1011)" to reflect the codification of the Act in this title. The word "naval" is omitted as included in "military".

In paragraph (2), the words "section 551(1) of this title" are substituted for "section 2(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1001(a))".

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.


Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 592 was renumbered section 582 of this title and was subsequently repealed.

Amendments

1992—Pub. L. 102–354 renumbered section 572 of this title as this section.

About This Section

5 U.S.C. § 592 is part of Title 5 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 5 U.S.C. § 592. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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