Final answer:
A federal court can overturn an agency determination when it exceeds constitutional powers or statutory authority, typically after reviewing cases brought by individuals or groups who feel their rights have been violated.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Can a Federal Court Overturn an Agency Determination?
A federal court can overturn a determination by an agency like the National Park Service if specific legal thresholds are met. Precedents that guide these legal decisions can erode over time or be quickly overturned. The federal court system, including the Supreme Court, has the power to review agency decisions and invalidate them, particularly when actions or laws are deemed unconstitutional or exceed statutory authority. For instance, in cases such as the Supreme Court striking down provisions of the Voting Rights Act or federal laws that overreach into state governance, federal courts act as a check on executive and legislative actions. The courts are also key venues for individuals or groups who feel mistreated and are seeking legal remedies against decisions made by federal agencies. Drawing from historical examples such as the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case and more recent ones like the 2012 Arizona v. United States, courts have overturned previous rulings and laws that conflicted with constitutional interpretations or federal statutes.