What is 'substantial evidence' in the context of Article 78 review?

What is 'substantial evidence' in the context of Article 78 review?

• A. More than a mere scintilla of credible evidence supporting the agency's factual findings.
• B. A preponderance of evidence.
• C. Evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
• D. Absolute certainty.

Answer: (A)

Substantial evidence in Article 78 review means that the agency’s factual findings are supported by such relevant evidence as a reasonable person would accept as adequate to sustain those findings. It must be more than a mere scintilla, but it is not the same as a preponderance of the evidence or proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The court does not reweigh the evidence or substitute its own view for the agency’s; it checks whether the record contains credible, probative information that reasonably supports the agency’s conclusions.

Substantial evidence in Article 78 review means that the agency’s factual findings are supported by such relevant evidence as a reasonable person would accept as adequate to sustain those findings. It must be more than a mere scintilla, but it is not the same as a preponderance of the evidence or proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The court does not reweigh the evidence or substitute its own view for the agency’s; it checks whether the record contains credible, probative information that reasonably supports the agency’s conclusions.