Mynd The Supreme Court of Iceland

The Supreme Court of Iceland

The Supreme Court is the highest judicial power, and its decisions set precedents. Appealing cases to the Supreme Court of Iceland is only possible after fulfilling stringent conditions. Seven justices sit on the Supreme Court. Five justices hear a case each time although seven do so in especially important cases. Three justices generally decide on the right of appeal, and whether an appeal will be heard.


Skoða vefsíðu
Mynd Landsréttur Appeal Court

Landsréttur Appeal Court

Landsréttur is the mid-judicial level and is a court of appeal. Its position is between the district courts and the Supreme Court of Iceland. Landsréttur is in the Reykjavik Metropolitan Area but covers the entire country. Fifteen judges sit on Landsréttur Appeal Court, and three judges hear a case for the court, except as otherwise directed in the Act on Civil Procedure and Law on Criminal Procedure. Three justices generally decide the right of appeal, and whether an appeal will be heard.


Skoða vefsíðu
Mynd District courts

District courts

There are eight district courts. Together they form the lowest judicial level. All cases therefore come first for resolution before a district court. After fulfilling certain conditions, decisions of the district courts may be appealed to a higher judicial level, namely Landsréttur Appeal Court, and, in exceptional cases, directly to the Supreme Court of Iceland. A total of 42 judges sit in the district courts, and one district court judge hears a case for a court, except as otherwise directed in the Act on Civil Procedure and Law on Criminal Procedure.


Skoða vefsíðu