rettsmessig

Rettmessig, a term sometimes seen as rettsmessig, is an adjective used in Norwegian to describe something that is legitimate, legally justified, or rightful. The standard spelling is rettmessig; rettsmessig is uncommon and often regarded as a misspelling or dialectal variant in formal writing.

Etymology and meaning: Rettmessig is formed from rett, meaning law or right, and the suffix -messig, which creates adjectives denoting a quality or manner. The word conveys both legal validity and moral or ethical justification, depending on context. In legal and ethical discourse, it is used to emphasize that a claim, action, or outcome is proper within a framework of rights and duties.

Usage: Rettmessig describes things that conform to law, rights, or normative expectations. Examples include a rettmessig krav (a legitimate claim), a rettmessig beslutning (a rightful or justified decision), and rettmessige konsekvenser (the legitimate or proper consequences). In practice, the term can cover both formal legality and broader notions of fairness or propriety.

Relationships and contrasts: The term is often contrasted with illegal (ulovlig) or unjust/improper (urettmessig, uriktig). While rettmessig focuses on legitimacy and justification, ulovlig denotes breach of law, and urettmessig or uriktig signals moral or procedural unfairness.

See also: rett, lov, rettigheter, legitim.