stjórnskipunarlög

Stjórnskipunarlög is an Icelandic term that translates to constitutional law. It refers to the fundamental laws and principles that govern the organization and powers of a state's government. In Iceland, the primary source of constitutional law is the Constitution of Iceland, formally known as Stjórnarskrá lýðveldisins Íslands. This document outlines the basic rights and duties of citizens, the structure of the government including the parliament (Althingi), the executive branch (government), and the judiciary, as well as the relationship between these branches.

Stjórnskipunarlög also encompass the interpretation and application of the constitution through judicial review and legislative practice. While the constitution is the supreme law, amendments require a specific and rigorous process, usually involving parliamentary approval and a referendum. Understanding stjórnskipunarlög is crucial for comprehending how Iceland is governed and how power is distributed and limited within the Icelandic state. It forms the bedrock of the legal and political system.