Lagmannsrettens

Lagmannsrettens is the possessive form commonly used in Norwegian to refer to the Court of Appeal and its functions. The lagmannsretten is the second instance in the Norwegian judiciary, sitting between the district courts (tingretten) and the Supreme Court (Høyesterett). It reviews appeals from tingretten in civil and criminal matters and also handles certain appeals against administrative decisions, according to Norwegian procedure.

The lagmannsrettens core task is to re-examine lower court decisions to ensure correct application of law and, in some cases, to reassess factual findings. Decisions from the lagmannsretten can be affirmed, amended, or reversed, and in some instances cases may be remanded to the tingretten for new proceedings. The court’s written opinions articulate the legal reasoning behind its rulings, contributing to precedent within its jurisdiction.

Organisation and procedure vary by jurisdiction, but the lagmannsretten generally operates in regional divisions with panels that combine professional judges and lay judges (meddommere). This composition reflects both legal expertise and community involvement in the appellate process. The court sits in multiple regional locations to cover its geographic remit and conducts hearings, sometimes in person and sometimes in written form, depending on the case.

Appeals from the lagmannsretten proceed to the Supreme Court, which grants leave to appeal on questions of law or, in certain circumstances, of fact. The lagmannsrettens decisions thus represent a significant step in Norway’s judicial process, shaping outcomes on a wide range of civil, criminal, and administrative matters.