forvaltningslovens

Forvaltningsloven, officially the Administrative Procedures Act of Denmark, is the cornerstone of Danish administrative law. It governs how public authorities exercise administrative power and how individual decisions affecting rights and obligations are prepared, decided, and reviewed. The act applies to central and local government authorities and to agencies and bodies performing public tasks, and, in many cases, to private entities when acting under public supervision.

The act establishes general principles: decisions must be based on law, processed with due care, and in a manner that is fair and transparent; authorities must treat people equally and avoid unnecessary delays; proportionality is applied; decisions should be reasoned.

Procedural rules: before finalizing a decision, authorities must consider pertinent information, allow parties to present statements, and provide an opportunity for hearing. Decisions must be communicated in writing with a clear justification. A case file must be accessible to the parties, and deadlines for submissions and appeals are set by the act.

Remedies and oversight: decisions can be appealed to a higher administrative authority or, ultimately, to the courts. The act provides time limits for filing appeals and may impose suspensive effects or restriction on enforcement during the appeal. The Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman monitors compliance and can investigate complaints about abuses of power.

Relation to other law: It works in concert with the Public Access to Information Act, data protection rules, and sector-specific legislation to regulate how public power is exercised and how individuals can seek redress.