This three-volume reference has a long history. The first edition was published in 1958, authored by the late Kenneth Culp Davis, a pioneering scholar in the field. He also wrote the second edition but asked Pierce (George Washington University) to take over for subsequent editions. This fifth edition incorporates discussion and analysis of legislative, administrative, and judicial developments since the fourth (2002), through the 2008-2009 term of the Supreme Court. It's been a period of much controversy, and the author expresses his position on many issues but states in the preface that he does his best "to distinguish clearly between what the law is and what I believe it should be." Coverage begins with definitions of administrative law and of agencies, followed by discussion of historical developments through the decades--lumping together the years before 1946, and continuing through the 1990s and into the 21st century. Subsequent coverage includes philosophical and constitutional foundations, statutory construction, investigation, the Freedom of Information Act, rules and rulemaking procedure, due process, evidence, standing, discretion and reviewability, remedies, and tort liability of governments and their employees, among other topics. Relevant legislation is appended. Supplements will be published annually. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)