godtycklig

Godtycklig is a Swedish adjective meaning governed by whim rather than by rules, standards, or objective criteria. It describes decisions, actions, or judgments that lack consistent justification and predictability. The term comes from the noun godtycke, meaning a whim or caprice, with the suffix -lig forming an adjective that expresses “having the quality of.”

In everyday language, you might describe a decision as godtycklig when it seems to follow personal preference rather than published criteria. In legal and administrative contexts, the word denotes arbitrariness: a decision made without adequate legal basis, transparent criteria, or due process. Swedish law emphasizes legal certainty (rättssäkerhet) and equal treatment, and authorities are expected to avoid godtycke; otherwise decisions may be reviewed or annulled by courts. The concept is closely related to how public power should be exercised under procedural rules and substantive fairness.

Examples include phrases like “ett godtyckligt beslut” or “beslutet verkar vara godtyckligt.” In English, godtycklig is usually translated as “arbitrary” or “capricious,” though nuances can differ depending on context, particularly distinguishes between whimsical actions and decisions lacking statutory justification.

See also: arbitrariness, due process, rättssäkerhet, rättvisa, jämn behandling.