rättssal

Rättssal is the Swedish term for a courtroom, the formal space in which legal proceedings are conducted in Sweden. It is used for hearings in criminal, civil and administrative cases, and most proceedings are public, although certain parts may be restricted to protect privacy or security.

In a typical rättssal the presiding judge sits on a raised bench at the front. Nearby are the desks for the prosecutor and the defense counsel. The accused sits in a designated dock or chair, and there is a witness stand as well as a place for the court clerk to record the proceedings. In many district courts, a panel of lay judges accompanies the professional judge, reflecting Sweden’s mixed judiciary. The public, media and other observers may be seated in designated areas within the hall.

Procedures in the rättssal are led by the judge. The prosecutor presents the case and evidence, while the defense may respond and question witnesses. Witnesses testify in the presence of the judge and the parties, and evidence is introduced according to procedural rules. At the conclusion, the court issues a verdict and, if applicable, a sentence. In civil and administrative matters, proceedings follow a comparable framework within the same room.

Rättssalar are located in court buildings administered by the national judiciary. They are designed for accessibility and safety, with facilities for interpreters, disabled access, and, in many cases, audio or video recording of proceedings. Modern courts may offer remote participation technologies to accommodate participants who cannot attend in person.