Norway

About

Norway's legal system is rooted in a civil law tradition, emphasizing written laws that cover various aspects of civil, criminal, and public law. Unlike some civil law countries, Norway does not have a unified civil code; instead, it relies on a collection of individual laws. The system places significant importance on statutory law, while also recognizing the value of legal precedent, particularly from the Supreme Court. However, these precedents serve as interpretative guides rather than binding rules. The Norwegian legal framework includes a hierarchical court system with district courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court. Special courts like the Labour Court and Land Consolidation Courts handle specific cases. Consumer protection laws are robust, aligning with EU directives due to Norway's EEA membership. The legal system supports a balanced business environment with flexible contract formation rules and strong regulatory oversight. Overall, Norway's legal system is designed to ensure fairness and equality, contributing to its stability and trustworthiness.