Rättskipningen

Rättskipningen refers to the administration of justice—the system and processes through which a state interprets and applies the law, resolves disputes, and enforces judicial decisions. It encompasses the courts, the authorities that bring and conduct cases, and the mechanisms that ensure due process and legal safeguards for individuals and organizations.

The core actors are the judiciary, prosecutors, police, and legal representation. Courts interpret and apply laws in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Prosecution authorities initiate and conduct criminal cases, while police gather evidence and uphold public order. Defense counsel and legal aid services ensure that suspects and litigants can exercise their rights within the proceedings. Besides formal courts, administrative agencies also decide disputes in areas like taxation, social security, and immigration.

Key principles underlying rättskipningen include judicial independence, impartiality, and the rule of law. Due process, public proceedings, equal treatment before the law, and legal certainty are central aims. The system seeks to prevent arbitrary decisions and protect fundamental rights, such as the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.

In Sweden, rättskipningen is organized into general courts (tingsrätter, hovrätter, Högsta domstolen for final appeal) and administrative courts (förvaltningsrätter, kammarrätter, Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen). The separation of powers, constitutional guarantees, and an emphasis on transparency shape how the judiciary operates and remains independent from political influence. Contemporary issues include digitalization, case backlogs, and ongoing efforts to strengthen accessibility and efficiency while preserving rights.