dómstigi

Dómstigi is the Icelandic term for the court system, the hierarchical structure through which civil, criminal, and administrative cases are heard and reviewed. The word combines dómur (judgment) and stig (step or level), reflecting its meaning as levels of courts. In Icelandic law, the dómstigi typically comprises three main levels: héraðsdómstólar (district courts) as the first instance, Landsréttur (the Court of Appeal) as the intermediate appellate court, and Hæstiréttur (the Supreme Court) as the highest court. Some decisions from district courts can be appealed to Landsréttur, and in certain matters, a further appeal to Hæstiréttur may be possible with leave of the court.

The district courts handle a broad range of civil, criminal, and administrative matters; Landsréttur reviews questions of law and, in some cases, findings of fact on appeal; the Supreme Court focuses on legal principles and the uniform interpretation of law, not reexamination of the factual record except in limited circumstances.

Judges within the dómstigi operate independently from political influence. They are appointed by the President of Iceland, typically on the basis of recommendations from a judicial appointment authority, with tenure rules designed to secure independence and impartiality.

Overall, dómstigi denotes the organized framework of courts that ensures due process, checks and balances in the application of Icelandic law, and the possibility of review to maintain consistent legal interpretation.