More than 48 thousand administrative court cases filed in 2004

In 2004, 48.3 thousand cases were filed to be heard by administrative law judges of the Dutch courts. This is 30 percent more than in 2000. 

Half of cases concern social security and income support

Half of administrative law cases filed in 2004 concerned social benefits and income support. 12.5 thousand cases were withdrawn, while administrative law judges heard 35.4 thousand cases.

Cases filed 2004

Appeal cases and temporary provisions

Administrative law concerns disputes in the field of administrative authorities, about for example the amount of social benefit to be paid, dismissal of government employees, pensions and construction permits.
They are appeal cases and corresponding requests for temporary provisions.

Simplified hearings

In appeal cases, the court considers first whether the case can be disposed of without session in a so-called simplified procedure. In 2004, 4 thousand cases were disposed of in this way. In one third of these cases the content of the case was considered. In the other cases the judge considered that the claimant was in default, for example because the appeal was filed too late or the claimant had not paid the court fees.

Verdicts in simplified procedures, 2004

Ordinary or shortened procedure

Most appeal cases are heard during an ordinary or shortened procedure. In 2004 25.3 thousand verdicts were pronounced. In 16 thousand of these (62 percent) the judge considered the appeal unjustified, and the previous decision was thus upheld. 8.1 thousand (32 percent) appeals were successful, and the administrative body concerned had to review its decision.

Verdicts in ordinary procedures, 2004

Temporary provisions

In anticipation of the judge’s decision, claimants sometimes try to defer the effect of the appealed decision. To this end the claimant asks the court for a temporary provision. In 2004 judges pronounced on 5,9 thousand request for temporary provisions. In seven out of ten cases the request was denied. 

Verdicts with respect to temporary provisions, 2004

Harm Aten and Elly Koeijers