Refsiábyrgð

Refsiábyrgð is a term in Icelandic law that describes liability involving punishment or sanctions for wrongdoing, rather than solely the payment of damages. The word combines refsa, meaning to punish, with ábyrgð, meaning liability or responsibility. In practice, refsiábyrgð refers to administrative or disciplinary liability imposed by regulators, professional bodies, or public authorities against individuals or organizations that violate rules, norms, or ethical standards.

Applications of refsiábyrgð are common in professional regulation (such as medical, legal, and financial professions), corporate governance, and public administration. Sanctions under this concept can include fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, prohibition from practicing, or other disciplinary measures. The aim is deterrence and the protection of the public interest, rather than compensation to a private party.

Refsiábyrgð is distinct from civil liability, which seeks to compensate the injured party, and from criminal liability, which is pursued under criminal law and can lead to prosecution and criminal penalties. In some systems, acts may give rise to both civil or administrative penalties and criminal consequences.

Procedural aspects of refsiábyrgð typically involve a formal process with notice, evidence, and an opportunity to be heard, though the standard of proof and procedural rules may differ from those in criminal trials. Remedies and proportionality principles guide the imposition of sanctions to ensure they are appropriate to the misconduct. See also administrative penalties, disciplinary action, punitive damages, civil liability, criminal liability.