dómstóllinn

Dómstóllinn is the Icelandic term for “the court” and is used to refer to both the judiciary as an institution and to a specific court building or facility within Iceland. The word is a compound of dómr (judgment) and stóll (seat or bench), with the definite article -inn. In context, it can denote the entire court system or a particular court.

The Icelandic judiciary is organized into three main levels. District courts (héraðsdómstóll) handle most civil and criminal cases. The Court of Appeal (Landsréttur) reviews appeals from the district courts. The Supreme Court of Iceland (Hæstiréttur Íslands) is the highest court and its decisions are final and often establish legal precedent for all lower courts. The judiciary is independent from the other branches of government, and proceedings are typically conducted in Icelandic.

In practice, a case generally starts in a district court, with opportunities for appeal to Landsréttur. Further appeal to the Supreme Court is possible in certain circumstances, subject to legal provisions such as leave to appeal. The courts publish rulings, which serve as references for interpretation of statutes and for future cases.

Dómstóllinn can also refer informally to a specific court building within a city, or to a particular court institution in conversation, in contrast to other branches of government. The term underscores the role of judicial authority in applying law, resolving disputes, and safeguarding due process in Iceland.