rétturinn
Rétturinn is the definite form of the Icelandic noun réttur and can denote the law, justice, or a right/entitlement depending on context. In legal discussion, rétturinn often refers to the body of law or the system of justice. In everyday language, the word more commonly signals a right or entitlement, as in phrases about having a right to something. The abstract notion of justice is also expressed with this term in philosophical or political debate.
Etymology and sense: The word derives from Old Norse and is related to the general Old Norse
Usage in context: In modern Icelandic law, hygged together with phrases like lögin and réttarreglur, retturinn
Historical background: Iceland’s legal tradition developed in the medieval Commonwealth with customary laws compiled in Grágás
Related topics include the Alþingi, Grágás, the Icelandic judiciary (dómstólar), and the Constitution.