Legitimate Expectations in Administrative Law

This original and stimulating book is the first systematic study of the principle of `legitimate expectations' in administrative law to appear in the English language. The notion of reasonable or legitimate expectations has played a central role in the development of administrative law over the last thirty years and it remains one of the most contentious and most frequently invoked grounds of judicial review. In this book Dr Schønberg provides a detailed,comparative, and critical analysis of that notionHe begins by clarifying why administrative law should protect expectations at all, by linking expectations to fairness, trust in administration, and the Rule of Law with its requirements of legal certainty and formal equality. In the light of this framework he examines in detail the principles and rules which contribute to the protection of expectations. The scope of this analysis is broad, looking both at procedural and substantive principles of administrative law as well as principles of tortliability and stautory compensation. In all of these areas, English law is carefully compared with French and EC law and is shown how the three legal systems often reach similar outcomes by the application of different legal principles and rules.The current state of English law is examined critically in the light of the comparative study of French and EC law, and a number of original suggestions for legal reform are presented. They include the adoption of: a general principle of irrevocability of intra vires administrative decisions, a distinct principle of substantive legitimate expectations subject to a `significant imbalance' threshold for judicial intervention, and a statutory right to compensation for loss caused by `sufficientlyserious' violations of public law.

... timely ... Schønberg sets out an agenda for reform ... As an exercise in comparative law, the book is a useful contribution to the academic literature and may even turn out to be a source of practical inspiration for lawyers and judges in the further development of case law ..., ...a welcome addition to any law library, inside or outside Europe. ...Dr Schønberg ...has written a book of great relevance to the practitioner of public law. ...the book is stimulating and a painstakingly researched and well-argued piece of work. ...this excellent book ...presents a clear and thoughtful approach to a very examinable issue, and is clearly worthy of close scrutiny., This book ... adds considerably to the existing body of knowledge and will therefore be welcomed by academics and practitioners alike. ... In the opinion of the author, "Expectations cannot be adequately protected by a single legal principle; a combination of procedural, substantive, and compensatory rules is required." Schønberg has provided just such a combination of principles in tabular form, which merits study by everyone interested in this fascinating, if rather complex, area of the law., ... a scholarly work, comprehensive and concise, which will be welcomed by doctrinally-minded administrative lawyers in particular. The various strands of comparative analysis are handled adeptly throughout., an essential point of reference for any public lawyer preparing a case in which a legitimate expectation argument may arise. Not only does Dr Schønberg explain the present law comprehensively, he also presents well-reasoned arguments for the development of protection of legitimate expectations in English law in a number of areas. ... combines academic rigour with considerable practical relevance.

Soren Schønberg is a referendaire in the Chambers of Advocate-General Francis Jacobs at the European Court of Justice