ákæruvaldið

Ákæruvaldið, the Icelandic term for the Public Prosecutor's Office, is the government authority responsible for criminal prosecutions in Iceland. It represents the state in criminal trials, decides on charges, and conducts or oversees investigations in cooperation with the police and other authorities.

Its core functions include deciding whether to bring charges, drafting indictments, presenting cases in court, and providing legal guidance to law enforcement. It also ensures compliance with the rule of law and safeguards the rights of suspects and defendants throughout the process.

The office is led by a chief prosecutor and is organized into units that handle general criminal prosecution and specialized areas such as organized crime, corruption, and international cooperation. It operates within the framework of the justice system and maintains working relations with the courts and the Ministry of Justice.

Ákæruvaldið emphasizes legal independence in prosecutorial decisions while remaining part of the state administration, with accountability arising through judicial review and parliamen­tary oversight where applicable. It has played a central role in Iceland's enforcement of criminal law and in upholding public safety.