Halduskohtute

Halduskohtud, often translated as administrative courts, are a specialized branch of the judiciary in many countries responsible for hearing cases involving disputes between individuals or organizations and the state or public bodies. These courts review the legality of administrative actions, decisions, and omissions.

The jurisdiction of administrative courts typically includes challenges to decisions made by government agencies, ministries, local authorities, and other public entities. This can encompass a wide range of matters such as tax disputes, planning and zoning issues, social benefit claims, environmental regulations, and licensing procedures. The primary function is to ensure that administrative bodies act within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of citizens.

Proceedings in administrative courts usually involve a review of the administrative decision itself, rather than a complete re-evaluation of the merits of the case. The court will examine whether the administrative body followed correct procedures, applied the relevant laws appropriately, and made a decision that was reasonable and proportionate. In many systems, administrative courts can uphold, overturn, or modify the contested administrative decision.

The establishment of separate administrative courts aims to provide expertise in handling complex administrative law matters and to offer an independent avenue for redress against potential abuses of administrative power. This specialization helps to ensure fairness and efficiency in resolving disputes between the public and the state.