Regularitetsloven

Regularitetsloven, also known as the Principle of Regularity, is a fundamental concept in administrative law. It asserts that public authorities should act in a consistent and predictable manner. This means that similar cases should be treated similarly, and administrative decisions should follow established patterns and procedures. The law aims to provide legal certainty and protect individuals from arbitrary or capricious actions by the state.

The principle of regularity is closely related to the concept of equal treatment under the law. It implies that citizens have a right to expect that the administration will apply its rules and policies uniformly. This does not mean that all decisions must be identical in every circumstance, as individual cases may warrant different outcomes based on their specific facts. However, any deviation from established practice must be justifiable and explained.

Breaches of the Regularitetsloven can occur when an authority acts inconsistently without a valid reason, or when it fails to follow its own stated policies or legal requirements. Such breaches can be grounds for legal challenge, allowing individuals to seek redress if they have been unfairly disadvantaged by an inconsistent application of administrative rules. The principle is a cornerstone of good governance and a vital safeguard for citizens interacting with public bodies.