rättshjälpen

Rättshjälpen, or legal aid, is the public system in Sweden that provides financial assistance for legal advice and representation to people who cannot afford it. It is regulated by the Legal Aid Act (Rättshjälpslagen) and administered within the Swedish judicial system. The aid can cover legal counseling, court representation, and certain court costs in both civil and criminal matters, provided the applicant’s financial situation meets specified criteria and the matter falls within the scope of the act.

Eligibility is means-tested: income, assets, and household size are assessed. In criminal cases, legal aid can include defense counsel; in civil matters, it can cover a lawyer’s fees for specified stages of the case and related costs. The decision to grant aid is made by the appropriate authority after reviewing application details and case prospects. If granted, an appointed lawyer from a panel may handle the case; the aid may include a subsidy cap and, in some situations, the applicant pays a portion of the costs relative to income.

The system aims to ensure access to justice regardless of the ability to pay. Limitations include that not all case types are eligible, and there are caps on aid or conditions on continued eligibility. The program is periodically updated to reflect changes in legal services and costs, and is intended to support individuals in areas such as family law, housing, employment, and other civil matters, as well as criminal defense where applicable.