The Administrative Court, based in the city of Zurich, is the highest cantonal court authority in the area of administrative law. It has to apply both cantonal law and large parts of federal administrative law. Decisions of the cantonal government, the directorates, the district councils, the building appeals court and the tax appeals court are primarily subject to appeal before the administrative court. In certain cases, the Administrative Court rules as the first instance, for example in the event of a lawsuit.

The Administrative Court issues around 1,000 rulings each year in a wide range of legal areas, including disputes relating to spatial planning, construction and environmental protection law, tax law, personnel law, education, social welfare, healthcare, procurement, migration law, the enforcement of penalties and measures, administrative measures in road traffic and police law.

The current five full-time and twelve part-time judges and twelve substitute members are elected by the Cantonal Council for a term of office of six years. They are supported in their judicial work by around 20 court clerks and six administrative secretaries.