At the top of the administrative court system

The Council of State is the highest court in the administrative court system. This system deals in particular with disputes relating to the actions of public authorities, under the rules of jurisdiction laid down by law.

A dual role

As a court, the Council of State reviews, among other things, decisions made by administrative courts and hears certain cases directly. As an adviser, it examines bills and certain other texts submitted by the Government.

Not to be confused with: the Court of Cassation is at the top of the ordinary court system, while the Constitutional Council reviews the constitutionality of laws.