Tingretts

Tingrett is the district court in Norway and serves as the first instance for most civil and criminal cases. The country is divided into geographic districts, each housing a tingrett. Trials are typically presided over by a professional judge, and in many criminal cases lay judges (meddommere) participate in the decision alongside the professional judge.

The types of cases heard by tingretts include civil disputes such as contract and property matters, torts, and family law issues like divorce, child custody, and maintenance. They also handle probate, guardianship, inheritance, bankruptcies, and enforcement of judgments. In criminal proceedings, tingretts handle offenses ranging from minor to serious; many trials involve a panel consisting of one professional judge and lay judges who contribute to the verdict and, in some cases, the sentence.

Procedural options in the tingretts follow the standard Norwegian judicial process. Decisions issued by a tingrett can be appealed to the appropriate Lagmannsrett (Court of Appeal). Under certain conditions, further appeal to the Supreme Court (Høyesterett) is possible with permission. Some cases may be subject to expedited or special procedures, depending on the nature of the dispute and the jurisdiction.

The system is part of Norway’s unified court administration, with the district courts operating under national judicial standards and oversight. Tingretts serve as accessible local venues for a wide range of legal matters and form the foundational step in Norway’s appellate structure.