réttarheimildakerfið

Rettarheimildakerfid refers to the legal source system in Iceland. It outlines the hierarchy and types of legal sources that judges and legal professionals use to interpret and apply the law. At the apex of this system is the Constitution of Iceland, which is the supreme law of the land. Below the Constitution are international treaties ratified by Iceland, which hold significant legal weight.

Following these are statutes enacted by the Althingi, Iceland's parliament. These laws form the core of domestic legislation. Regulations issued by government ministries and administrative bodies also play a crucial role, providing detailed rules for the implementation of statutes. Case law, particularly decisions from the Supreme Court of Iceland (Haestirettur), is an important source, as judicial precedent helps to clarify and interpret the law.

Legal scholarship and established legal principles, often referred to as customary law or legal doctrine, can also be considered when other sources are insufficient or ambiguous. The specific application and weight given to each source can depend on the nature of the legal issue at hand, with a clear emphasis on the supremacy of the Constitution and ratified international law. This structured approach ensures consistency and predictability within the Icelandic legal framework.