The Slovenian perspective of a main hearing in an administrative dispute

Abstract

Purpose. This article deals with the current legislation and practice of the Republic of Slovenia concerning main hearing in an administrative dispute. Besides, the article is devoted to legal analysis of Slovenian case law and to examination of demands, established by the European Court of Human Rights regarding the right to a fair trial, particularly the right to a main hearing. Methods. To conduct the research successfully, the author used the following methods of scientific knowledge: logical (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), historical, systemic and formally dogmatic. Results. An integral part of the right to a fair trial is formed by the public nature of a trial, which is, in case of administrative dispute, realised on the basis of a concluded main hearing. Its aim is to ensure a democratic trial, exercise public control over a trial, as well as exercise the right of parties to the dispute and other participants in the procedure to be heard in court. This piece discusses the meaning and the role of the main hearing in an administrative dispute. It examines both legal and general social reasons which speak in favour of the execution of the main hearing. The most important decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and of domestic courts regarding the rights to the main hearing are analysed. The statistical data of the Slovenian Administrative Court on conducting main hearings as an indicator of ensuring the right to a fair trial in the Republic of Slovenia is researched. The author has reached a conclusion that the main hearing in an administrative dispute is of crucial importance with respect to exercising the right to adversarial procedure and right to fair procedure. completed hearing, of a main hearing as human right.