Høyesteretts

Høyesterett, the Supreme Court of Norway, is the highest judicial authority in the Norwegian legal system. Located in Oslo, it serves as the final court of appeal for civil and criminal cases on points of law and for matters that require uniform interpretation of statutes and the Constitution. The court’s decisions create binding precedent for all Norwegian courts and help shape the development of Norwegian jurisprudence. In general, the Supreme Court does not re-examine factual findings, except in limited circumstances where legal errors or fundamental rights are at stake.

Organisation and appointment: The court is headed by a president and comprises a number of justices who are appointed by the King in Council on the government’s recommendation. Justices typically serve until retirement, and the president oversees the court’s work. Cases are heard by panels of justices, with plenary sessions reserved for especially significant matters.

Jurisdiction and procedure: Most civil and criminal appeals reach the Supreme Court only after leave to appeal, or kjæremål, is granted by a lower court or by the Supreme Court itself. The court also handles constitutional questions through constitutional complaints when an individual claims a violation of rights under the Norwegian Constitution by public authorities.

History: The Høyesterett traces its origins to the Norwegian Constitution of 1814 and began operating in the early 19th century as the nation’s supreme judicial authority. Since then, it has functioned as the final arbiter of Norwegian law.