sakamálum

Sakamálum refers to criminal cases or legal proceedings in Icelandic law. It encompasses the entire process from the investigation of a crime to the final judgment and sentencing. When a suspected crime is reported, the police initiate an investigation to gather evidence and identify potential perpetrators. If sufficient evidence is found, the case is then handed over to the prosecutor's office, which decides whether to press charges.

The prosecution then presents the case before the court. Sakamálum can be divided into two main categories: brotamál, which are criminal offenses, and siðferðisbrot, which are moral offenses. The severity of the offense determines the court in which the case will be heard. Minor offenses are typically handled by district courts, while more serious crimes may be escalated to higher courts.

During the trial, both the prosecution and the defense present their arguments and evidence. The court, consisting of a judge and sometimes a jury depending on the nature of the case, evaluates the evidence and makes a determination of guilt or innocence. If found guilty, the defendant will be subject to sentencing, which can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the laws of Iceland and the specifics of the crime. The concept of sakamálum is fundamental to the Icelandic justice system, ensuring that alleged wrongdoings are addressed and resolved through established legal procedures.