Hæstirétti

Hæstirétti, commonly translated as the Supreme Court of Iceland, is the highest court in the Icelandic judiciary. It serves as the final appellate court, primarily reviewing questions of law from lower courts, including the Landsréttur (Court of Appeal). The court's decisions determine the interpretation and application of Icelandic law and can set legal precedents.

The court typically hears cases on appeal from the Landsréttur, and in limited circumstances may hear cases brought directly from district courts on points of law. It does not re‑try facts, but assesses whether the law was correctly interpreted and applied in light of the evidence presented in the trial court. Most matters before the court are handled through written submissions, with oral hearings held in a subset of cases.

Hæstirétti is comprised of a Chief Justice and an odd number of associate justices. Justices are appointed by the President of Iceland, following a selection and vetting process that typically involves consultation with government authorities and, at times, a judicial appointment committee. The court sits in Reykjavik, and its opinions are published to guide future jurisprudence.

The Supreme Court's work encompasses civil, criminal, and administrative law. Beyond adjudication, it issues rulings that shape constitutional interpretation and the development of Icelandic law. Its decisions are final, subject to any constitutional questions or statutory review mechanisms provided by law.