Key Legal and Administrative Terms Defined

Dies a quo

The day from which a period begins to run.

Eminent Domain

The coercive transfer of private property for public use or social interest, accompanied by the payment of its economic value or fair compensation.

Interdictus

A civil action to retain or regain possession of property, irrespective of ownership. The focus is on possession, not ownership.

Interdictum Proprium

The power conferred upon the administration to reclaim possession of its assets or public domain without recourse to a court.

Orders

Typical administrative acts that impose duties to perform, refrain from performing, or endure certain actions.

Authorisations

An administrative act by which consent is granted for the exercise of a private activity, which would otherwise be prohibited. It serves to exercise administrative control and establishes the corresponding legal status.

Punishment

An unfavorable administrative action, characterized as a reaction to unlawful conduct by an individual, intended to uphold public order.

Public Works

The administration's action aimed at protecting or promoting activities, facilities, or private assets that serve public needs and meet general welfare objectives, without using coercion or creating public services.

Grant

Financial arrangements providing money from a public entity's budget to private individuals or other public entities.

Law

A rule or standard. A disposition issued by the legislature.

Disposition

A legal act by which a person transfers the ownership of a thing or a right that belongs to them to another.

Levy

The imposition or collection of taxes, fees, or fines.

Resource

A formal challenge to an agreement or resolution by an aggrieved party, requesting a review of the decision's rationale by the issuing body or a higher authority.

Appeal

A legal action brought before a higher court, such as the Supreme Court, challenging final judgments or awards where laws are alleged to have been infringed or broken, or essential legal doctrines guaranteeing due process have been violated.

Appeal by

A legal action seeking the revocation of a final decision in extraordinary cases as determined by law.

Repeal

The abolition of a legal standard, either entirely or partially, by a subsequent enactment.

Fundamental Rights

Rights inherent to human dignity and essential for the free development of personality, often enshrined in modern constitutions with a higher legal value.

Right Optional

A right whose exercise is at the discretion and authority of its owner.

Decree

A provision or order issued by an authority on matters within its competence.