Administrative courts – Petitions

The Administrative Courts in Israel were established in 2000, and handle certain matters formerly dealt with by the Supreme Court. They are also sometimes referred to as the High Courts.

Israeli citizens live under the umbrella of the State and government institutions. The Administrative Court is the authority that stands between the State and all other government institutions. It is generally believed that anything which is not forbidden by law is permitted by law, but actually the legal situation is this: anything which is not permitted by law is forbidden. This subtle but distinct difference often causes problems and misunderstandings between citizens and the authorities.

The purpose of this legal branch is to regulate the activities of government institutions such as government agencies, government authorities, local authorities, state corporations and other public bodies, both amongst themselves and with regard to the citizens.

Administrative courts have to resolve problems of internal relations, such as the relationship between the government and ministers, between ministers and their staff, between the various authorities, and between citizens and those authorities.

Any citizen may file an administrative appeal against the decision of any authority related to education, local or municipal authorities, business licenses, and so on, if he feels cheated or has been hurt by that decision.

An administrative appeal enables citizens to challenge decisions taken by the authorities or other public bodies. But it is also used to address other issues such as civil rights, excessive taxation, problems with the local planning committee or the Ministry of Education, etc.

Glossary of terms:

• 1. Environmental quality
  To do with the quality of the environment, pollution, waste, sewage and so on.
• 2. Administrative collection
  A method for the administrative authorities to collect tax debts without having to go through a court judgment or a writ of execution.
• 3. Gun license
  The administrative law that determines the right of a citizen to own or carry a firearm at home or elsewhere. The process is long and complicated.
• 4. Residence permit in Israel
  Anything related to visa entry into Israel or residence permits and their renewal, for foreign citizens who wish to remain in the country for a specific period because of family, education, work or other reasons.
• 5. Work permits in Israel
  Everything related to the employment and rights of foreign workers in Israel.
• 6. Administrative appeal
  A means by which citizens can file a complaint with the administrative court against local authorities, public bodies or even the government. This can help them influence various authorities or even government decisions, such as new regulations, statutes, bylaws and so on.
• 7. High Court (or “Bagatz”)
  The court which handles all petitions or appeals against the government, state authorities and public bodies. It has the power to deal with any other matters if it considers it necessary.