Public Administration & Regulatory Law
Learn how public authorities are created and governed, how administrative and regulatory powers are exercised, how the public can request information and how institutional mandates fit together.
Common legal questions and situations
Plain-language guides
Use these guides to understand the legal framework before moving to the official law or seeking advice on a specific case.
How Public Authorities Are Governed by Law
A plain language guide to statutory mandates, delegated public power, administrative responsibility and why public bodies must act within the law.
Read guideThe National Law Reform Policy: Why It Matters
A plain language explanation of Liberia's National Law Reform Policy and the role it gives the Commission in coordinating a more consistent law…
Read guideHow to Request Public Information Under Liberia's FOI Act
A practical guide to making a request for public information under Liberia's Freedom of Information Act of 2010.
Read guideLocal Government, Decentralisation and Public Accountability
An introduction to Liberia's local government and decentralisation framework and its relationship to public accountability and service delivery.
Read guideWhat Does Codification Mean?
An introduction to codification, consolidation and why organised legal texts matter for access to law.
Read guideQuestions people often ask
These answers explain general legal concepts. The facts of an individual matter may change the legal position.
What happens after the Commission makes a recommendation?
The next step depends on the recommendation. Some reforms may require action by a ministry or public institution, while others require Cabinet, legislative or other constitutional processes. The Recommendations Tracker records implementation information where it has been formally published.
Who can make a Freedom of Information request in Liberia?
Any person may request public information under the Freedom of Information Act, irrespective of nationality or residence. The right applies to information held by public authorities and, in specified circumstances, private entities performing public functions or receiving public funding.
Do I have to explain why I want public information?
No. The Freedom of Information Act states that the right to request information is independent of the requester's personal interest in the information. A requester should describe the information clearly, but does not have to provide a justification for requesting it.
How long may a public authority take to respond to an FOI request?
The Freedom of Information Act provides a maximum response period of 30 calendar days. The period may be extended once where reasonable cause is shown. The authority should acknowledge the request in writing and advise the requester of the maximum period it expects to take.
What is a statutory mandate of a public institution?
A statutory mandate is the authority, functions and responsibilities assigned to a public body by the Constitution, an Act or another lawful instrument. It helps define what the institution may and must do.
Can a ministry or agency make any regulation it wants?
No. Regulations and administrative rules must be supported by lawful authority and remain within the limits of the governing legislation. A public body cannot create powers for itself beyond the legal framework.
How does Freedom of Information support public accountability?
The Freedom of Information Act of 2010 gives the public a legal right to request and receive information held by public bodies and certain other entities covered by the Act, subject to lawful exemptions and procedures.
Official legal sources
For current legal status and exact wording, use the enacted instrument or the responsible public institution.
Related Commission work
See how this area of law connects with current reform projects, consultations and published research.
Know when general information is not enough
If you need to challenge a specific administrative decision, request records or meet a statutory deadline, consult the governing law and the responsible institution's current procedures.