Retsplejen

Retsplejen is the Danish term for the administration of justice or the legal system. It encompasses all the institutions, procedures, and rules that govern how legal disputes are resolved and how criminal offenses are prosecuted and punished in Denmark. The core principle of retsplejen is to ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially, upholding the rule of law.

The Danish legal system is divided into civil and criminal proceedings. Civil retsplejen deals with disputes between private parties, such as contract disagreements, family law matters, and property disputes. The aim is to resolve these issues through negotiation, mediation, or court judgments. Criminal retsplejen, on the other hand, involves the state prosecuting individuals accused of committing crimes. This process includes investigation, indictment, trial, and sentencing.

Key institutions involved in retsplejen include the courts, the prosecution service (Anklagemyndigheden), and the police (Politiet). The Danish court system is hierarchical, with lower courts handling initial cases and higher courts serving as appellate bodies. Legal professionals, such as lawyers (advokater) and judges (dommere), play crucial roles in ensuring the efficient and fair functioning of retsplejen. Transparency and public access to court proceedings are important aspects, contributing to the public's trust in the legal system. The fundamental rights of individuals, including the right to a fair trial and legal representation, are protected within the framework of retsplejen.