Jurisprudential commentary of regional interest: on the constitutionality of the regional assessment jury of the Community of Castilla-La Mancha

STC 315/2006

Abstract

This article analyzes the Spanish Constitutional Court ruling STC 315/2006, which examines the constitutionality of the Regional Valuation Jury of Castilla-La Mancha, established by Law 2/1998 and amended by Law 1/2003. The ruling reaffirms previous case law regarding the compatibility of autonomous expropriation juries with the constitutional framework, taking into account the State's exclusive jurisdiction over expropriation legislation (Art. 149.1.18 CE). However, it supports that Autonomous Communities, by virtue of their self-organization authority, may establish these administrative bodies to manage their executive powers in expropriation matters. The jury's composition is also debated, but the Court concludes it does not infringe upon the State's basic jurisdiction. The article reviews dissenting opinions and doctrinal critiques highlighting potential imbalances in the representation of public and private interests. It concludes by emphasizing the need to balance State and autonomous competencies within the constitutional framework.