The Punitive Power of Independent Administrative Authorities: Focus on Financial and Tax Violations (A Comparative Study)

Background: In France, some independent administrative authorities have been granted punitive powers concerning violations committed against stated regulatory rules. In this regard, the issue of the accumulation of penalties has been repeatedly raised concerning sanctions imposed by independent administrative authorities and criminal justice penalties. For example, a certain action could be criminalised by virtue of the Penal Law, necessitating a custodial sanction or a fine, while also considered a mere breach under financial and monetary laws, leading to the imposition of a certain financial penalty. This raises the question of whether the infliction of both criminal and administrative sanctions on financial and tax crimes violates the 'ne bis in idem' principle. The French Constitutional Council has addressed this issue extensively; it has banned the accumulation of criminal penalties and administrative sanctions of a punitive nature upon the fulfilment of certain conditions. Interestingly, these conditions did not apply to tax disputes, permitting the accumulation of penalties in this specific field. However, the accumulation of penalties was banned and deemed impermissible in financial markets. Therefore, a major question can be raised: Why has the Constitutional Council adopted two different approaches in those two similar fields? Methods: In pursuit of the research goals, this study employed a combination of comparative, historical, and analytical methodologies. By examining the legal nature of independent administrative authorities, this study conducts a comprehensive examination of relevant legal texts, encompassing constitutional provisions, legislation, and judicial decisions, to analyse the ne bis in idem principle in France. A comparative analysis approach was utilised to compare the rulings of the French Constitutional Council, the French Court of Cassation, and European judicial bodies. Results and conclusions: In various jurisdictions, including France and the EU, the principle of non-accumulation of criminal penalties and administrative sanctions is recognised, yet differences arise in its application. Jurisdictions vary in approach, with some strictly prohibiting accumulation while others allow flexibility based on factors like offence nature and societal interests. The French Constitutional Council sets standards, allowing dual penalties in tax matters but not in finance. Rulings by the French Constitutional Council and Court of Cassation offer insights into applying the principle, revealing complexities in balancing regulatory enforcement and individual rights.