Council of State, France
The Council of State (in French: Conseil d'État) is a body of the French government that acts both as the highest court for administrative justice and as a legal advisor to the executive branch. Here are some key aspects:
History
- The origins of the Council of State can be traced back to the French Revolution. It was officially established on 24 August 1799 by Napoleon Bonaparte as part of the reorganization of the French administrative system.
- Initially, it was set up to provide advice on laws and decrees, but its role expanded over time to include adjudicating administrative disputes.
- In 1872, the Council of State was reorganized, gaining its modern form, which separates its advisory and judicial functions.
Functions
- Advisory Role: The Council advises the government on legislation, decrees, and regulations. It reviews draft laws for their legality and conformity with the Constitution.
- Judicial Role: It serves as the supreme court for administrative law, handling disputes between individuals and public bodies. It has the power to annul administrative acts that are deemed illegal.
Structure
- The Council is divided into several sections:
- It is presided over by the Vice-President of the Council of State, who is appointed by the President of France.
Significance
- The Council of State plays a crucial role in ensuring the legality of government actions, protecting individual rights against administrative overreach.
- It has developed significant jurisprudence in areas like public liberties, administrative contracts, and urban planning.
External Links
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