Forventningsrett

Forventningsrett is a legal concept that arises when a person has a legitimate expectation that a certain outcome will occur or that a particular action will be taken by an authority. This expectation must be reasonable and based on past conduct, a clear policy, or a specific promise. It is not enough to simply hope for a particular result; the expectation must be grounded in objective facts.

The principle of forventningsrett is particularly relevant in administrative law, where it can be used to challenge decisions made by public authorities. If an authority has established a consistent practice or made a clear commitment that leads an individual to reasonably expect a certain treatment, and then deviates from this without good reason, the individual may have grounds to invoke forventningsrett. This can lead to a review of the authority's decision and potentially its reversal.

Forventningsrett acts as a safeguard against arbitrary decision-making. It promotes legal certainty and predictability, ensuring that individuals can rely on the actions and pronouncements of public bodies. However, it is important to note that forventningsrett does not grant an absolute right to a particular outcome. The authority may still have legitimate reasons to deviate from established practice or promises, provided these reasons are well-founded and communicated. The key is the reasonableness of the expectation and the justification for any departure from it.