Réttarferlið

Rettarferlið refers to the legal process or court proceedings in Iceland. It encompasses all the steps involved from the initiation of a legal case to its resolution, whether through a judgment, settlement, or other disposition. This process is governed by Icelandic law and procedural rules, ensuring fairness and order in the administration of justice.

The Icelandic legal system is primarily based on civil law principles. Rettarferlið can be broadly divided into civil and criminal proceedings. Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or entities, such as contract disputes, property claims, or family law matters. Criminal cases, on the other hand, involve alleged violations of criminal statutes and are prosecuted by the state.

Key stages in rettarferlið typically include the filing of a claim or indictment, evidence gathering, hearings, presentation of arguments by legal representatives, and the issuance of a verdict or judgment by a judge or a panel of judges. The parties involved have the right to legal representation. Appeals can be made to higher courts if a party is dissatisfied with a lower court's decision. The Supreme Court of Iceland (Hæstiréttur Íslands) is the highest judicial body and its rulings are final. The emphasis is on transparency and adherence to established legal procedures to uphold the rule of law.