ramlagar

Ramlagar, or framework laws, are a category of legislation used in some legal systems, notably Sweden, that establish the general objectives, principles, and structure for a policy area while delegating the detailed rules to later regulations or ordinances. They differ from constitutional provisions in that they do not define fundamental rights or the basic architecture of government, and they differ from ordinary statutes in that they set a framework rather than provide all regulatory specifics.

Typically a ramlag states the purpose, scope, and key conditions that must be respected, and it identifies the bodies responsible for administration. It usually reserves the power to specify measures, criteria, technical standards, and budgets to government agencies or ministries through delegated regulation. The law therefore creates a policy direction and a governance framework, while leaving the operational details to subordinate rules.

A ramlag is intended to provide flexibility and coherence across related policies. By outlining overarching goals and responsibilities, it aims to facilitate coordination among several sectoral agencies and to allow updates without passing a new primary law. They are frequently used in areas where circumstances change rapidly or where technical detail benefits from specialized expertise, such as environmental policy, energy, or social welfare administration.

Critics warn that ramlagar can reduce legal certainty if implementing regulations lag behind or are too vague, and if the framework remains open-ended. Proponents, by contrast, emphasize that ramlagar enable timely adaptation and more consistent policy across agencies. Related concepts include delegated legislation and enabling acts within administrative law.