Constitutional Court (Austria)
The Constitutional Court ( or ) in Austria is the tribunal responsible for judicial review.It verifies the constitutionality of statutes, the legality of ordinances and other secondary legislation, and the constitutionality of decisions of certain other courts. The Court also decides over demarcation conflicts between courts, between courts and the public administration, and between federal and state bodies. It hears election complaints, holds elected officials and political appointees accountable for their conduct in office, and adjudicates on liability claims against Austria and its bureaucracy.
The Court consists of fourteen members and six substitute members, appointed by the president on nomination of the Cabinet, the National Council, and the Federal Council. Although theoretically supposed to, the Court rarely meets in plenum and rarely hears oral arguments; most cases today are decided behind closed doors by panels of either nine or five members. Opinions tend to be concise and academic.
The Constitutional Court is very powerful but has historically exhibited considerable judicial restraint.
Christoph Grabenwarter is currently serving as the court's president.
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