What is typically included in an administrative agency's functions?

An administrative agency's functions primarily involve drafting and issuing regulations, which is crucial for implementing and enforcing laws passed by the legislature. These agencies are established to manage specific areas of public policy, and one of their key roles is to create detailed rules and guidelines that affect how laws operate in practice. This regulatory authority allows them to fill in the gaps left by broad legislative language, providing clarity and direction on compliance.

In contrast, judicial review of court decisions relates to the processes undertaken by higher courts to assess the legality of lower court judgments, which does not fall under the purview of administrative agencies. Setting legal definitions is typically done through legislation itself or court rulings rather than agency actions, and conducting criminal trials is strictly within the judicial branch of government, not an administrative function. Thus, the ability to draft and issue regulations is a defining characteristic of administrative agencies and is central to their role in governance.