Enkeltinstanser

Enkeltinstanser is a term used in public administration in Sweden and other Nordic countries to describe authorities or courts that render decisions in a single instance. A enkeltinstans handles cases without a preceding or concurrent panel of multiple decision-makers, and its decisions are typically subject to review by higher authorities if permitted by law. The concept contrasts with procedures that operate in two or more instanser, where a decision can be appealed to a higher body before it becomes final.

The exact meaning and scope of enkeltinstanser vary by statute and jurisdiction. In some areas a single authority or a single judge may issue a decision as the first and only instance, while other areas may still permit appeals or supervisory reviews, either within the same agency or before an external appellate body. Whether a case falls under enkeltinstans depends on the legal framework governing that area.

Common areas where enkeltinstanser appear include certain administrative decisions, social benefits, tax assessments, and planning or building permit cases, where the law prescribes a streamlined, single-decision procedure. Critics sometimes argue that single-instance procedures can limit consistency and avenues for appeal, while supporters emphasize speed, clarity, and reduced administrative burden.

Overall, enkeltinstanser describe a procedural approach in which decision-making is concentrated in one authority or process, with potential review mechanisms defined by law. See also administrative law, appeals processes, and first-instance courts.