Rättsmedlens

Rättsmedlens is a term used in Swedish legal contexts to refer to the sources of law. These are the authorities and documents from which legal rules and principles can be derived. Understanding Rättsmedlens is fundamental to grasping the structure and application of Swedish law.

The primary Rättsmedlen in Sweden include statutes, which are laws passed by the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament). These statutes are published in Svensk författningssamling (SFS). Another crucial Rättsmedlen is case law, particularly decisions from the Supreme Court (Högsta domstolen) and the Supreme Administrative Court (Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen), which set precedents and offer guidance for lower courts.

Furthermore, preparatory works (förarbeten) to legislation, such as government reports and parliamentary debates, are considered important Rättsmedlen. They help in interpreting the intent behind the laws. International law, when incorporated into Swedish law, also functions as a Rättsmedlen, including EU law and treaties ratified by Sweden. Legal doctrine, which refers to the writings of legal scholars, can also influence legal interpretation and development, though it is generally considered a less authoritative source than statutes or case law. The hierarchy and interplay of these Rättsmedlen determine how legal disputes are resolved and how legal principles are understood and applied in Sweden.