Stjórnsýsluréttur

Stjórnsýsluréttur is the Icelandic term for administrative law. It governs the organization and operation of public administration and the legal relationships between the state and its citizens. This area of law deals with the powers and duties of public authorities, the procedures they must follow when making decisions, and the remedies available to individuals who are affected by those decisions.

The primary sources of stjórnsýsluréttur include legislation, particularly the Administrative Procedure Act (Stjórnsýslulög), and case law from the courts. The principles of administrative law are fundamental to ensuring fairness, legality, and accountability in the actions of public bodies. Key principles include the rule of law, the right to be heard, the duty to give reasons for decisions, and the prohibition of arbitrary action.

Stjórnsýsluréttur also encompasses the concept of judicial review, where courts can examine the legality of administrative decisions. This ensures that public authorities act within the bounds of their legal authority. Citizens have the right to challenge administrative decisions they believe are unlawful or unfair. The Icelandic administrative justice system aims to strike a balance between the need for efficient public administration and the protection of individual rights.