Rettarkerfi

Rettarkerfi is the Icelandic term for the legal system, referring to the structures, institutions, and procedures that govern how laws are made, interpreted, and enforced in Iceland. It covers the constitution, ordinary statutes, case law, and the bodies that administer justice and uphold rights.

The constitutional framework sits at the top of the system. The constitution provides the basic principles of government, fundamental rights, and the division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Statutory law is enacted by Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, and may be supplemented by regulations and administrative rules. International law, notably the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Economic Area agreements, also influences the legal order.

The judiciary is independent from the other branches and is responsible for interpreting laws and deciding disputes. The court system is structured in layers: district courts (Héraðsdómar) handle most civil and criminal cases at first instance; the Court of Appeal (Landsréttur) serves as a secondary level of appeal; and the Supreme Court of Iceland (Hæstiréttur Íslands) is the highest body for appellate review and constitutional questions. Judges are appointed by the President of Iceland on the recommendation of the Judicial Council (dómaráð), an independent body that oversees judicial appointments and procedures.

Law enforcement and prosecution operate alongside the courts. The police (Lögreglan) enforce laws, while the public prosecutor’s office (Ríkissaksóknari) brings criminal cases and represents the state in court, subject to judicial oversight.

The rettarkerfi aims to protect rights, provide predictable dispute resolution, and ensure accountability of public authorities, while adapting to international obligations and evolving social needs.