Portuguese court allows state liability for civil damages due to unreasonable delay in justice administration.

The Supreme Administrative Court of Portugal granted the claim for state liability arising from an unreasonable delay in the administration of justice. The plaintiff argued that the prolonged procedural inaction caused significant civil damage, while the state contended the timeline was justified by administrative complexity. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, establishing that excessive delays by public entities constitute a breach of the duty of diligence and generate compensable liability.