On the legal relevance of scientific-technical expert opinions given within the framework of licencing procedures for large-scale industrial plants

The courts have to decide whether the construction of a large-scale industrial plant can be permitted or not, and the criteria to be considered for this decision are those laid down in the safety regulations. Hence in order to be able to appropriately appreciate and interpret these safety regulations, the courts have to consult experts in the various fields of science and technology. The author of this contribution tries to define the limiting line between the functions to be fulfilled by the experts on the one hand, and the courts on the other, and presents useful suggestions for improving the situation on the basis of existing legal provisions. (orig)