åklagaren

Åklagaren, in Swedish, refers to a public prosecutor in the criminal justice system. The term designates the government lawyer who represents the state in criminal proceedings and is responsible for deciding whether crimes should be prosecuted, bringing cases to court, and presenting the case on behalf of the public.

In Sweden, prosecutors are employed by the Åklagarmyndigheten, the national public prosecution authority. The highest official in the system is the riksåklagaren (Prosecutor General). Local and regional prosecutors work in districts and collaborate with the police during investigations, while maintaining independence in charging decisions and in how cases are pursued in court to ensure lawful and fair proceedings.

Duties of the åklagare include overseeing the pre-trial process, determining whether there is enough evidence to indict, filing charges, and leading the prosecution in district and appellate courts. They participate in the formulation of the indictment, respond to defense arguments, and can supervise matters such as warrants, detentions, and other legal actions within the framework of Swedish law. Prosecutors are also expected to act in the public interest, uphold victims’ rights, and follow professional ethics and confidentiality requirements.

Applicants typically become prosecutors after completing a law degree and relevant training or apprenticeship within the public prosecution service. The Swedish system emphasizes professional independence: prosecutors decide cases based on evidence and applicable law, rather than on political or other external pressures, while remaining subject to judicial oversight and standard supervisory structures within Åklagarmyndigheten.