Date of Defense

4-23-2003

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Dr. Susan Hoffman

Second Advisor

Dr. Kevin Corder

Third Advisor

Dr. John Clark

Abstract

With the following investigation I seek to answer the questions: How aligned are the perceptions of Michigan township zoning boards of appeals (ZBAs) members' regarding their authorities with the authorities expressly and implicitly prescribed for them by state statute? If they are not aligned, do ZBA members need further education in the statute? ZBA members are not formally educated in the statute but are guided by secondary sources. While these sources are crucial to the proper administration of ZBAs' objectives, there is often an element of bias in interpretation to varying degrees. I want to determine whether or not education in the statute is needed for ZBA members so that they may make their own interpretations of the law, thus enabling them to better assess the interpretations they encounter in their guiding sources instead of simply accepting them.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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