The courts of law exercise judicial power in Norway. In addition, the courts have a control function in relation to the other branches of government (the Parliament and the Government). The courts also consider whether legislation is within the limits of the Constitution and review the legality of decisions made by the government administration.
In Norway, the district court (‘tingrett’) is the court of first instance. The district court hears both criminal and civil cases that are not heard by the Conciliation Board. District court judgments can be appealed to the next rung on the judicial ladder, the Court of Appeal (‘lagmannsrett’).
The Supreme Court (‘Høyesterett’) is the highest judicial body in Norway. Rulings from lower courts can be appealed to the Supreme Court. However, not all appeals will be heard by the Supreme Court. Any matter brought before the Supreme Court must initially be considered by the Appeals Selection Committee, which decides which cases are to be heard by the Supreme Court. The judgments of the Supreme Court are final and cannot be appealed.
