rettssaken

Rettssaken is the term used in Norwegian for the procedure by which a court hears and decides a legal dispute or criminal case. The word combines rett (law, right) and saken (the case). In general usage it refers to the process from charging or filing to the final verdict or judgment and possible appeals.

In criminal cases, the state prosecutes the alleged offender; the burden of proof rests on the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the plaintiff must prove the claimed right or liability by a balance of probabilities. Trials are typically public, with rules ensuring the rights of the accused, including legal counsel, cross-examination, and the presumption of innocence.

Structure in Norway: cases are heard in district courts (tingrett), with possible appeal to the appellate court (lagmannsrett) and then the Supreme Court (Høyesterett). A typical criminal trial in a district court involves a panel consisting of a professional judge and lay judges (meddommere). The court assesses evidence, including witness testimony, expert opinions, and documentary material, before delivering a verdict and any sentence or remedy. Civil cases follow similar procedures but focus on liability and remedies rather than guilt.

After a verdict, decisions may be appealed to the next court level on points of law or fact, subject to procedural rules and time limits. The term rettssaken is used broadly for the judicial process in both criminal and civil contexts in Norwegian law.