Málshöfðun

Málshöfðun is an Icelandic term that translates to "legal action" or "litigation." It refers to the process of initiating a lawsuit in a court of law. This typically involves a plaintiff bringing a case against a defendant, seeking a legal remedy such as damages, an injunction, or a specific performance. The process of málshöfðun is governed by Icelandic civil procedure law, which outlines the steps involved from filing a claim to the final judgment.

The initial stage of málshöfðun involves the plaintiff preparing and filing a statement of claim, known as a "stefna," with the appropriate court. This document outlines the factual basis of the claim, the legal arguments, and the relief sought. The defendant is then served with the stefna and has a period within which to respond with their own statement, a "mótmæli." Following these initial filings, the court may order further written submissions or schedule hearings for oral arguments.

Throughout the málshöfðun process, parties are expected to present evidence, which can include documents, witness testimony, and expert opinions. The court then weighs this evidence and applies the relevant Icelandic law to reach a decision. Appeals of court decisions are also possible, allowing for further review of the case. The goal of málshöfðun is to provide a formal and structured mechanism for resolving legal disputes within the Icelandic legal system.