Language Use in Administrative Procedures - Between Theory and Practice

Abstract

Jezik je pomembna prvina tudi za varstvo pravic strank, saj je že ustavno zagotovljeno posebno varstvo pripadnikov italijanske in madžarske manjšine, invalidov in tujcev oziroma vseh strank v upravnih razmerjih. Prispevek je osredotočen na študijo razsežnosti regulacije rabe jezika v upravnih postopkih kot temeljnem procesu dela v javni upravi. Rezultati analize upravne prakse po različnih virih (judikatura, analize Ministrstva za javno upravo /MJU/, portal Upravna svetovalnica in anketa med načelniki upravnih enot) kažejo, da pri izvajanju splošne (zlasti Zakon o splošnem upravnem postopku /ZUP/) in področne zakonodaje pretežno ne prihaja do težav, razen na področju tujcev. Zato za v prihodnje predlagam le nomotehnične izboljšave, v ostalem pa usmerjeno in sistemsko skrb za jezikovne pravice z ozaveščanjem uradnih oseb in splošne javnosti. Language is an important element of protection of the parties’ rights in administrative procedures, hence the constitutional protection of representatives of the Italian and Hungarian minorities, persons with disabilities, and foreigners is guaranteed. This article focuses on the analysis of legal regulation and the practice of language use in administrative procedures. Drawing from various sources (case law, inspectorate’s reports, Administrative Consultation Wiki web portal, and the survey among the heads of administrative units), the results of the analysis of administrative practice reveal that except for foreigners’ rights, no major issues occur when implementing general (Administrative Procedure Act) or sector specific legislation. Therefore, we suggest for the future merely improvements in terms of legal drafting technique, while a systematic and focused concern for language rights is still required by enhancing the awareness of the officials and the general public.