dómstólar

Dómstólar is Icelandic for the country’s courts and refers to the core institutions of the judiciary. They interpret and apply Icelandic law, safeguard rights, and uphold the rule of law. The system is designed to be independent from the legislative and executive branches to ensure impartial adjudication.

Iceland’s judiciary is organized in three levels. Héraðsdómstólar, the district courts, handle the majority of civil and criminal cases as well as family and certain administrative matters at the local level. Landsréttur, the Court of Appeal, serves as the intermediate appellate court for most rulings issued by district courts. Hæstiréttur, the Supreme Court, is the highest court in the land and its decisions are final on questions of law.

Judges are appointed by the President of Iceland following a formal selection process overseen by the Judicial Appointments Committee, with involvement from the judiciary and, in some circumstances, the government. The judiciary operates with independence to ensure fair and objective decision-making, and it is funded and overseen in a manner that supports separation from political influence.

Courts deal with civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with Icelandic law. Trials are typically public, with legal representation and a presiding judge or panel of judges. Decisions and rulings are published and contribute to the development of Icelandic case law, helping to shape the interpretation and application of laws across the country.