justitieråd

Justitieråd is the title held by members of the Supreme Court of Sweden, or Högsta domstolen. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in Sweden for civil and criminal cases. Justitieråd are appointed by the government for life, though they typically retire at the age of 67. The court consists of a president and a number of other Justitieråd, usually around 15 to 16.

The primary role of the Justitieråd is to review cases that have been appealed from lower courts. Their decisions establish precedents that guide the interpretation and application of Swedish law. The Supreme Court does not hear every case that is appealed; it typically grants leave to appeal only in cases where a precedent is needed or where there is a significant risk of a miscarriage of justice. The court's work is crucial in ensuring legal uniformity and developing Swedish jurisprudence. The process involves careful deliberation and often extensive legal research by the Justitieråd and their assisting clerks.