hovrätterna

Hovrätterna are the appellate courts in Sweden’s judiciary, forming the second tier after the district courts (tingsrätter). They review judgments from district courts to correct errors of law and, in some cases, to re-examine aspects of the factual record. Their purpose is to ensure consistent application of the law across the country and to provide a structured path for second opinions on civil, criminal, and certain administrative matters.

Sweden has six hovrätter: Svea hovrätt, Göta hovrätt, Hovrätten över Skåne och Blekinge, Hovrätten för Västra Sverige, Hovrätten för Övre Norrland, and Hovrätten för Nedre Norrland. Each hovrätt has jurisdiction over appeals from district courts within its geographic region and is headquartered in its respective city. Together they handle the bulk of higher-level determinations in the Swedish court system, with the Supreme Court serving as the final court of appeal.

Cases in the hovrätts are decided by panels of professional judges. The court may uphold, overturn, or modify the district court’s decision, depending on the legal and evidentiary issues involved. Decisions from the hovrätterna can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Sweden, but such further appeal requires a granted leave (prövningstillstånd), typically reserved for cases involving important points of law or substantial public interest.

Influence and procedure: Hovrätterna contribute to Swedish jurisprudence by clarifying statutory interpretation and developing consistent case law. Their rulings are published as judicial precedents and guide lower courts, practitioners, and the public in subsequent cases.