Legal proceedings and criminal cases

Courts are independent and bound only by the law currently in force. They are responsible for settling individual cases. The independent status of courts is stated in the Constitution. Outside parties cannot interfere with decisions the courts make. They settle individual civil and criminal cases and deal with petitions.

District courts deal with civil and criminal cases, and petitions. Civil cases settle disputes between individuals or companies such as compensation and disputes over inheritance. Criminal cases include theft, drunken driving and acts of violence. Petitions cover divorces and custody issues.

District court decisions can normally be appealed to the Court of Appeal. An appeal can be lodged with the Supreme Court against a judgement made by the Court of Appeal, but only if the Supreme Court grants leave to appeal.

Courts do not give advice on pleading. Law firms can help in such issues.

Administrative courts deal with appeals made against decisions by the authorities. Decisions made by the administrative courts can be appealed to the Supreme Court. Certain special fields have their own courts.

An offence is reported to the police who start a criminal investigation if there is reason to believe that a crime has been committed. Not all offences reported to the police lead to criminal investigation.