Dómstigið

Dómstigið is an Icelandic legal term used to describe a level or tier within the judiciary. It denotes the hierarchical stages through which a legal case is reviewed, from initial decision to potential appellate review. In Icelandic practice, cases generally begin in the district courts, which act as the first instance or frumstig. If appealed, the case can proceed to the Landsréttur, the Court of Appeal, followed by examination by the Hæstiréttur, the Supreme Court, which is the highest court. The concept of dómstigið thus encompasses the entire ladder of judicial review, and the specific dómstigið relevant to a case depends on procedural posture and the rights of appeal as provided in law.

The term is commonly used in statutes, court rulings, and legal analysis to indicate where on the court ladder a decision was made or is being reviewed. The word combines dóm (judgment, court) and stig (step, level), reflecting the idea of progressing through successive courts to seek review or final resolution.

In practice, identifying the appropriate dómstig is essential for determining jurisdiction, appeal rights, and the potential for interlocutory or final judgments. The Icelandic judiciary thus operates as a three-tier system in common cases: first instance at district courts, intermediate appellate review at Landsréttur, and ultimate appellate authority at Hæstiréttur.

See also: Icelandic legal system, Landsréttur, Hæstiréttur, Héraðsdómur.