Meginreglur

Meginreglur is the Icelandic term for fundamental rules or guiding principles that underpin a system, theory, or policy. They are broad, normative statements that shape interpretation, decision-making, and behavior beyond the details of specific provisions.

The word is formed from megin, meaning main or principal, and regla, meaning rule. In Icelandic usage, the plural meginreglur refers to a set of core principles, while the singular meginregla denotes a single central principle. The concept is widely used across fields to describe the overarching norms that give coherence to rules and actions.

In practice, meginreglur function as high-level guides that influence how laws are interpreted, how policies are implemented, and how institutions are expected to operate. In law and governance, they help ensure consistency and predictability by providing a framework within which individual statutes and regulations are applied. In ethics, philosophy, and organizational contexts, meginreglur articulate fundamental values such as fairness, autonomy, transparency, or accountability. In science and research, they can refer to basic assumptions or methodological principles that underpin a theory or approach.

Examples of commonly referenced meginreglur include principles related to proportionality, non-discrimination, the rule of law, and openness to review, though the exact formulations vary by field and jurisdiction. As high-level norms, meginreglur are interpreted in context and may evolve over time, serving as a compass for interpretation, reform, and policy development rather than as detailed prescriptions.