Réttarregla

Réttarregla is a term used in Icelandic and other Nordic legal traditions to denote a rule of law—an abstract norm that guides conduct and judicial decision‑making. The word combines réttar (law) and regla (rule). A réttarregla may be found in statutes, in case law, or in customary practice, and it functions as a standard that tells courts and officials how to resolve particular situations. It is not itself a decision; rather, it supplies the criteria used to classify cases, allocate rights and duties, determine liability, or decide remedies.

Characteristics of a réttarregla include generality, abstractness, and normative force. A réttarregla applies across similar facts and may contain conditions or exceptions. Examples include rules governing causation in liability, the standard of proof in a process, or time limits for bringing actions. Some réttarreglur are codified in statutes; others arise from judicial interpretation or from customary practice that has gained formal status.

In legal theory, réttarregla is used as a tool for reasoning. It underpins interpretation of statutory text, guides argumentation, and helps identify which legal category a matter falls into. It can coexist with broader principles and with more specific provisions; discussions may concern whether a norm should be treated as a general rule, a principle, or a special rule.

Overall, réttarregla serves to structure legal reasoning by providing identifiable, applicable standards that shape rights, duties, and remedies within a legal system.