Afgørelser

Afgørelser are formal determinations issued by public authorities, courts, or other bodies that decide rights, duties, or statuses in a specific case. They are typically binding on the parties involved and may be enforceable by law once served.

There are two broad categories: administrative decisions (forvaltningsafgørelser) made by public agencies under administrative law, and judicial decisions issued by courts. Afgørelser can also be issued by independent bodies such as boards or regulatory agencies. The term is commonly used in Danish administrative and public-law contexts.

Common features include a written decision, a stated legal basis, reasons (begrundelse), identified parties, and the consequences (such as benefits, obligations, or prohibitions). Many jurisdictions require that an afgørelse be notified to the affected parties and include information about appeal rights and deadlines.

Appeal and review: Most afgørelser can be challenged through an internal appeal within the issuing agency, an external appeal to a higher administrative authority, or a court review. The applicable standards and time limits vary by legal framework and country.

Examples: decisions on social benefits, immigration or residence permits, taxation, planning and building permissions, licensing, sanctions, and regulatory rulings.

In Denmark, administrative decisions are governed by the Forvaltningsloven and related laws. The governing framework requires decisions to be lawful, proportionate, and adequately reasoned, with clear information about appeal rights and deadlines. The concept of afgørelse thus covers a wide range of government determinations affecting individuals and organizations.