Dokumentsatsen

Dokumentsatsen is a term in Swedish public administration and jurisprudence describing the principle that official actions should be grounded in written documents and recorded evidence rather than informal statements. The term combines dokument (document) and sats (proposition, clause, or sentence) and is used to emphasize document-based justification of decisions.

Origin and scope: The concept gained prominence in the Swedish tradition of administrative law and archival practice in the 20th century as reforms aimed at transparency and accountability. It is applied across sectors, including government ministries, courts, and public agencies, to ensure that decisions can be audited and revisited through the written record.

In practice: In decision-making processes, dokumentsatsen implies that the formal justification for a ruling must be contained in a decision file, with relevant documents, memos, and correspondence accessible for review. In courts, it correlates with evidentiary standards favoring documentary evidence. In public procurement and policy reporting, it reinforces compliance with document retention and audit trails.

Criticism and discussion: Proponents argue it strengthens accountability and legal certainty. Critics warn that excessive emphasis on written documents can overlook oral testimony, informal practice, or tacit knowledge, potentially slowing decision-making.

See also: administrative law, public records, archival science, documentation standards.