Rettsdogmatiske

Rettsdogmatiske, often translated as "legal dogmatics" or "legal dogma," refers to a scholarly approach within legal scholarship that focuses on the systematic analysis, interpretation, and conceptualization of existing law. It is concerned with understanding the internal logic, principles, and structure of a legal system, as well as its rules and doctrines. The primary aim of rettsdogmatiske is to clarify, organize, and develop legal norms.

This approach typically involves examining statutes, case law, and legal literature to identify underlying principles and to resolve ambiguities or contradictions. It seeks to present the law in a coherent and systematic manner, often through the construction of legal concepts and categories. While it does not primarily engage in empirical research about the social effects of law, it can inform legal reform by identifying areas where the law is unclear or inconsistent.

Rettsdogmatiske scholarship is characterized by its rigorous analytical method, often drawing on logic and systematic reasoning. It emphasizes the importance of legal certainty and predictability, aiming to provide a stable foundation for legal practice and decision-making. Scholars engaged in this field often contribute to textbooks, commentaries, and academic articles that elucidate specific areas of law. The focus is on what the law *is*, rather than what it *ought to be* from a sociological or political perspective, although normative arguments are often made within the framework of existing legal principles.