innehörande

Innehörande is a Swedish term used in law and public administration to describe the right or process by which a party is given the opportunity to present information, arguments, or responses in connection with an ongoing case or decision. The concept is part of the broader principle of the right to be heard, intended to safeguard procedural fairness in administrative proceedings and judicial matters.

Etymology and meaning: The word combines the prefix in- with hörande (the act of hearing), indicating that a person or entity is to be heard or listened to as part of the decision-making process. It is commonly used in formal contexts where authorities must consider input from interested parties before finalizing a ruling.

Contexts and use: Innehörande appears in various administrative and regulatory settings, such as planning and environmental cases, tax or social benefits decisions, and other administrative determinations. It signifies that affected parties should have an opportunity to submit statements, evidence, or arguments, and, in some cases, participate in hearings, before a decision is made.

Process and content: The typical process involves notifying relevant parties, setting a time frame for responses, and allowing submissions that may include factual information, documentation, and legal arguments. The material gathered through innehörande informs the authority’s assessment and the final decision. In some situations an oral hearing may be provided.

Relation to other terms: Innehörande is closely related to hörande (a hearing) and yttrande (a statement or opinion). It reflects a procedural safeguard designed to ensure transparency and a balanced consideration of interests in public decision-making.

See also: Förvaltningslagen, rätten att yttra sig, allmänhetens insyn.