Contact us 
In administrative law, respecting response deadlines is crucial for ensuring the proper handling of appeals and procedures. Whether it's a gracious appeal or an appeal before the administrative court, the deadlines involved can determine the outcome of a dispute with the administration. In this article, we explore the different response deadlines in administrative law, how they are calculated, and the consequences of failing to meet them, to help you optimize your chances in an administrative appeal.
Types of appeals in administrative law and their deadlines
In administrative law, there are several types of appeals, each with specific deadlines that must be observed. These deadlines play a crucial role in the ability to challenge an administrative decision and avoid being barred from appealing. The two most common appeals are the gracious appeal and the contentious appeal before the administrative court. Each has precise rules regarding the time frame for response and filing.
The gracious appeal and its deadline
The gracious appeal is a request submitted to the administration asking it to reconsider an unfavorable decision. It is used to avoid litigation by seeking an amicable review. Generally, the administration has two months to respond. After this period, a lack of response may be considered an implicit refusal. It is important to act quickly because if the administration refuses, you have a new deadline to file a contentious appeal.
The contentious appeal before the administrative court
When the gracious appeal fails or is not applicable, it is possible to turn to a contentious appeal before the administrative court. This appeal allows for an official challenge of an administrative decision. The deadline for filing a contentious appeal is usually two months from the notification of the decision. However, the duration of procedures before the administrative court may vary, and the response time depends on the complexity of the case, with an average of 18 to 24 months.
How is the appeal deadline calculated?
The calculation of the appeal deadline in administrative and public law depends on the date of notification or publication of the administrative decision. This deadline, generally set at two months, is governed by strict rules that determine when and how it starts. It is essential to understand the starting point of this deadline to avoid being barred from appealing, which means losing the right to appeal after the deadline expires.
The starting point of the appeal deadline
The appeal deadline typically begins on the date of notification or publication of the contested administrative decision. This means that the starting point is either the receipt of an official letter or the publication of an administrative act in an official journal. In some cases, when the decision is not properly notified, the deadline can be extended.
Interruptions or suspensions of the deadline
In certain situations, the appeal deadline may be interrupted or suspended. For example, filing a gracious appeal temporarily suspends the contentious appeal deadline, giving more time to consider other legal actions if the administration does not respond favorably. Similarly, a new administrative decision or a modification of the initial decision can interrupt the deadline and set a new starting point for a future appeal.
The consequences of failing to meet deadlines
Failing to meet deadlines in administrative law can have severe consequences, including the forfeiture of the right to appeal. This means that if the appeal is not filed within the allowed time, it is considered inadmissible, and the individual loses the right to challenge the administrative decision. For this reason, it is crucial to understand the rules for calculating deadlines to avoid losing the right to appeal, and so to contact a public law attorney.
Forfeiture of the right to appeal
When the appeal deadline expires, the individual is legally barred from challenging the administrative decision. This can occur when a contentious appeal is filed after the two-month deadline, except in certain exceptions. In this case, the administrative decision becomes final, and any subsequent appeal will be dismissed for being out of time.
The administration's responsibility for delays in responding
In administrative law, there is a principle that the administration's failure to respond within the deadline can be interpreted as an implicit refusal. However, in some cases, silence can also be considered as acceptance. This principle, known as "silence means acceptance," primarily applies to certain administrative decisions. Nevertheless, if there is a significant delay, the administration may be held liable, especially if the delay causes harm to the individual.
Special cases of deadlines in administrative law
Certain types of administrative disputes have specific or shortened deadlines. For example, in electoral disputes or urban planning cases, the appeal deadlines may be shorter than the usual two months. Likewise, appeals concerning public contracts or acts related to environmental issues have their own rules for calculating deadlines. Therefore, it is essential to understand these specifics to avoid missing an opportunity to contest a decision.
Appeals in electoral disputes, urban planning, and public contracts
In electoral disputes, the appeal deadline is often extremely short, sometimes only a few days after the results are announced. In urban planning, deadlines may be reduced, particularly for appeals related to the issuance of building permits. As for public contracts, they are subject to specific deadlines that vary depending on the procedure being contested.
Shortened deadlines for emergency measures
In some urgent situations, appeal deadlines can be significantly shortened. This is particularly true in procedures for the suspension of building permits or measures related to situations that endanger public safety. These appeals must be filed quickly, sometimes within just a few days, to prevent the contested decision from having irreversible effects. These short deadlines require increased responsiveness from individuals and their lawyers.
Respecting deadlines in administrative law is essential to ensure the admissibility of an appeal and maximize the chances of success against an administrative decision. Whether it is a gracious appeal, a contentious appeal, or emergency procedures, each type of appeal is governed by strict deadlines. It is therefore recommended to consult a lawyer specialized in public law to ensure that these deadlines are met and avoid forfeiture. Mastering these deadlines is a major asset in defending one's rights against the administration. Don’t hesitate to contact Sion Avocat Law Firm for any needs related to administrative or public law!