Abstract

Administrative justice exists in most countries as a function in the State organization. But its scope and its forms differ widely among countries, in particular as regards the place of judicial review and the powers of judges. We can sort out three main models of administrative justice, based on judicial review institutions, from historical experience and main national systems. In Europe, the European Court of Human Rights had a significant influence on the evolution of administrative justice towards more judicial oversight upon administrative bodies. The expansion of these models gave rise to a number of variants based on national and political context. The first model is the council of State, joining judicial review and advisory functions for the government. Initially an ancillary body it turned to be an independant supreme administrative court, with broad competence, including contracts and torts, while exercising further advisory functions. Another model is based on a unique administrative supreme court, with exclusive judicial review functions of a narrower scope, although some exceptions can be found where judicial review was transferred from a former council of State. A last model, probably most widespread nowadays, can be characterised as judicial review by the general supreme court. Institutionally there no dualism. The judiciary is also vested with judicial review of administrative authorities. Typical of common law countries, this organization can be found also in countries of administrative law. In reality, there is dualism as regards procedures, substantial law and the powers of judges in administrative matters. In numerous cases administrative courts are organised inside of ordinary courts. Whatever the form of administrative justice it is essential to secure the independence of judges, to give them the capacity of substantial review of administrative acts, to facilitate the access to administrative judges and to guarantee the execution of courts decisions.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call