Avgjørelse

Avgjørelse is a Norwegian term that denotes a decision or ruling issued by an authority, body, or person with the power to determine a matter. It represents the outcome reached after considering relevant facts, law, and procedures. The word is commonly used in legal, administrative, and organizational contexts.

Etymology and scope. The verb form is å avgjøre, meaning to decide. An avgjørelse can refer to a wide range of conclusions, from a court’s ruling to an administrative decision made by a government agency or a municipality. In legal language, it is often contrasted with a dom (judgment) in court settings, while in administrative contexts terms like vedtak (decision) or forvaltningsavgjørelse are also prevalent.

Legal and administrative contexts. In courts, an avgjørelse signals the outcome of litigation, including rulings on claims, motions, or procedural issues. In public administration, decisions are typically issued by agencies or authorities and may affect rights, duties, or benefits. Administrative decisions usually require written justification and are subject to appeals or complaints to higher authorities, with specific time limits. Some decisions can be temporary (midlertidig avgjørelse) while others are final (endelig avgjørelse).

Process and implications. A typical process involves filing an application or initiating a case, gathering evidence, and the issuing body delivering the decision together with reasons and formal notification. Depending on jurisdiction, an avgjørelse can be reviewed, suspended, or reversed through appeal procedures, judicial review, or complaints to independent oversight bodies.

See also: rettsavgjørelse; forvaltningsvedtak; vedtak.