Law and Justice – the Rule of Law, Courts, and Your Rights
Sweden is a constitutional state (rättsstat): everyone is equal before the law, and no one can be convicted without a trial. This module covers the judicial system, crime and punishment, and your rights and obligations.
What this module covers
- The Rule of Law
- Police and Prosecutors
- The Court System
- Rights and Obligations
- Crime and Punishment
Principles of the Rule of Law
In a state governed by the rule of law (rättsstat), the principle of legality applies – no one can be punished without legal basis – and everyone is equal before the law. Courts and prosecutors are independent of the government.
Police, Prosecutors, and Defence Lawyers
The police investigate crimes and secure evidence. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges and represents the state in court. The suspect has the right to a public defence lawyer in many cases.
The Three Levels of Courts
General courts (allmänna domstolar) are the District Court (tingsrätt), Court of Appeal (hovrätt), and the Supreme Court (Högsta domstolen). Administrative courts (förvaltningsdomstolar) hear cases against public authorities: the Administrative Court (förvaltningsrätt), the Administrative Court of Appeal (kammarrätt), and the Supreme Administrative Court (Högsta förvaltningsdomstolen).
Rights and Obligations
As a resident, you have the right to a fair trial, protection of privacy, and freedom of expression. You also have an obligation to follow the law, pay taxes, and testify in court if summoned.
Real-world examples
Example: Presumption of Innocence
A person is innocent until a court has established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Example: Appeal
A District Court judgment can be appealed to the Court of Appeal if leave to appeal is granted.
Frequently asked questions
Prepare for legal questions
Practice real exam questions about law and justice.