Control and Accountability: Administrative Courts and Courts of Audit

Abstract

The control of the administration by administrative courts follows very particular rules. Two elements of the German system stand out: first, the intensive type of control which makes the scope for independent administrative decision-making an exception. Second, the quite strict restrictions on locus standi. The development of administrative law by the courts and its application by the administration are an elementary part of the German legalistic tradition. The courts of audit at all levels of government also play an independent role. They can control the proper as well as the efficient use of funds from the respective budgets. While there is no enforcement mechanism, the publication of the findings certainly leads to pressure to comply.