The Swedish legal system is interesting and has some unique features. Let’s break down what makes it special:

1. Civil Law Tradition:
Sweden uses civil law, which is common in many European countries. This means the laws are mostly written down. Judges in Sweden interpret these laws, rather than making new rules based on old cases like they do in countries like the US or UK.

2. Sources of Law:
In Sweden, there are a few main sources of law, including:

• The Constitution: This is the basic set of rules for the country.
• Laws Passed by Parliament (Riksdag): These laws cover different parts of life in Sweden.
• Regulations and Ordinances: These are more detailed rules made by authorities to help carry out the laws.
• Case Law: While not as important as the laws mentioned above, past court cases can help explain how laws should be applied.

3. The Role of Courts:
Sweden has a clear court system with different levels for different cases:

• District Courts (Tingsrätt): This is where most cases start, including both civil (like disputes between people) and criminal (like crimes) matters.
• Court of Appeal (Hovrätt): This court looks at decisions made by the District Courts to see if they were correct.
• Supreme Court (Högsta domstolen): This is the highest court in Sweden, handling the most important legal issues and setting important rules for the future.

4. Importance of Legal Certainty:
Legal certainty is very important in Sweden. People are expected to know the laws, and they are made clear and easy to understand. This helps everyone know their rights and responsibilities, promoting fairness.

5. Proportionality Principle:
When courts make decisions, they try to make sure that the punishment fits the crime. This principle helps balance how serious a crime is with how severe the punishment should be.

Overall, the Swedish legal system is all about fairness, clarity, and having a clear structure to keep justice. This helps maintain order and protect the rights of citizens.