réttarkerfi

Réttarkerfi is the Icelandic term for the legal system. It encompasses the laws, courts, and legal professionals that administer justice within Iceland. The Icelandic legal system is based on a civil law tradition, with roots in Norse customary law and Roman law influences.

The primary sources of law in Iceland are statutes enacted by the Althing (the Icelandic Parliament), regulations issued by government ministries, and judicial precedent established by the courts. Icelandic law is codified, meaning that legal principles are organized into written codes.

The Icelandic court system is hierarchical. The District Courts (Héraðsdómur) are the courts of first instance, handling most criminal and civil cases. Appeals from the District Courts are heard by the Court of Appeal (Landsréttur). The Supreme Court (Hæstiréttur Íslands) is the highest court in Iceland, with the final say on legal matters. There are also specialized courts, such as the Administrative Courts.

Legal professionals in Iceland include judges, prosecutors, attorneys (lögmenn), and notaries. Attorneys are licensed and regulated by the Icelandic Bar Association. The administration of justice is overseen by the Ministry of Justice. The legal system aims to ensure fairness, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights of individuals and entities within Iceland.