The West German Administrative Procedure Act: A Study in Administrative Decision Making

This Article examines the West German Administrative Procedure Act ("VwVfG"), which forms an essential element in the German model of administrative decision-making and provides valuable insight into the nature of administrative decision-making in Germany. The first section of this Article discusses the history surrounding codification of administrative procedure in Germany, the subject and scope of the VwVfG, and the role of the VwVfg plays within the overall German administrative law structure. The second section identifies the four procedural mechanisms provided for by the VWVfG to reach administrative decisions. The final section reviews administrative and judicial remedies available to contest final administrative acts.