Administrative law governs the relationship between individuals and the state. The refusal of a licence, a disciplinary penalty imposed on a civil servant, the expropriation of a property or an entry ban imposed on a foreign national are all acts of the administration, and their lawfulness is subject to judicial review.
How we can help
Actions for annulment
Actions for the annulment of administrative acts considered unlawful are brought before the administrative courts under Administrative Procedure Law No. 2577. Where necessary, a stay of execution is requested to prevent the act from being implemented.
Full remedy (compensation) actions
For damage caused by the acts or actions of the administration, an application to the administration and a full remedy action are considered.
Public servants
Disputes concerning appointments, disciplinary penalties, suspension from duty and employment rights under Civil Servants Law No. 657.
Expropriation and zoning
Determination of expropriation compensation and actions for de facto expropriation; challenges to zoning plans, building permits, demolition orders and zoning fines.
Administrative acts concerning foreign nationals
Challenges to administrative acts in immigration law, such as refusals of residence permits, entry restriction codes, entry bans and deportation orders.
Individual application
After domestic remedies have been exhausted, an individual application to the Constitutional Court alleging a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms and, where necessary, proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights.
Before going to court: time limits
Time limits for bringing an action in administrative jurisdiction are short and strict; missing them results in the loss of rights. As a rule, the time limit starts from the date on which the act is notified to you in writing. It is therefore important to note the date of every administrative decision served on you and to seek advice, with the document, without delay.
Useful to bring to the meeting
- The decision or act you wish to challenge, and its date of service
- Your applications to the administration and the replies received
- Other official correspondence on the matter
Frequently asked questions
- What is the time limit for challenging an administrative act?
Unless a special law provides otherwise, the time limit is sixty days before the Council of State and administrative courts and thirty days before tax courts, starting from written notification of the act (Administrative Procedure Law, Article 7).
- I applied to the administration and received no answer. What happens?
If no answer is given within the period set by law, the request is deemed rejected and the time limit for bringing an action starts to run (Article 10). The date of the application should therefore be tracked.
- How is an individual application made to the Constitutional Court?
It is made, after ordinary legal remedies have been exhausted, on the grounds that a fundamental right has been violated by public authority. The time limit is thirty days from the exhaustion of remedies or from learning of the violation (Law No. 6216, Article 47).
This page is for general information only; every case must be assessed on its own facts.