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This article provides an analysis of Portuguese administrative responsibility making reference to the French model (in historical terms and in the light of Comparative Law). Particular reference is made to the constants of the Portuguese system throughout its history, moving towards a definition of the legal system currently in force with regard to this issue, as determined in 2008. The method used in this paper is to revisit a founding case, the Blanco judgement, adapting it to the Portuguese context and then, with some modifications, examine which legal solution would have been used at various key moments in the development of the law on administrative responsibility in Portugal. The analysis thus leads to the conclusion that, despite the changes and improvements made, solutions evolve but the problems encountered remain, whether in relation to dual jurisdiction or applicable law. ‘It’s the same old song...’