Chevron Doctrine

Also referred to as the Chevron Deference. When a legislative document is ambiguous and unclear about its proper meaning, the Chevron Doctrine allows governmental bodies and agencies to interpret the law.

It was established by the United States Supreme Court through Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, which occurred in 1984. It allows agencies like the FCC to interpret and consider the meaning of an unclear legal matter’ within the agency’s expertise and jurisdiction.