Title: Deference to the Administration in Judicial Review: The Case of the Netherlands
Abstract: In the Netherlands as elsewhere, the topic of deference to the administration is an important doctrine that continues to provoke much debate. This doctrine, which is also referred to as the limited judicial review of administrative actions, is the subject of dynamic developments. The exact role that the court should play in the review of administrative actions remains a contentious issue. The focus of this contribution is the relationship between the judiciary and the administration. How has this relationship developed and what are the expectations for the future? It is concluded that the review of administrative acts by the judiciary has been intensified in several cases in recent years. There is, however, no uniform approach. The judiciary differentiates with a greater focus on proportionality. Clear limits for the judicial review can be found where specific expertise of the administration is at stake.