Réttarforsendur

Réttarforsendur is an Icelandic legal term that translates to "legal premises" or "legal assumptions." It refers to the fundamental conditions or prerequisites that must be met for a legal rule or principle to apply in a given situation. These premises are often established by law, precedent, or legal doctrine and serve as the foundation upon which legal reasoning is built.

In essence, réttarforsendur identify the factual or legal circumstances that trigger the application of a specific legal consequence. For example, a contract's validity might depend on the réttarforsendur of offer, acceptance, and consideration. If these premises are not satisfied, the contract may be deemed invalid or unenforceable. Similarly, criminal liability often rests on the premise that a prohibited act was committed with a certain mental state.

Understanding réttarforsendur is crucial for lawyers, judges, and anyone involved in legal proceedings as it allows for a systematic analysis of cases. By identifying and evaluating whether the relevant legal premises are present, one can determine the applicable laws and predict the likely outcome of a legal dispute. The concept ensures that legal rules are applied consistently and fairly, based on established and agreed-upon conditions.