The Supreme Court's proceedings
All cases brought before the Supreme Court are first considered by the Appeals Selection Committee. In addition to deciding appeals against orders and decisions, the Committee acts as a gatekeeper for appeals against judgments. Such appeals may be heard by the Supreme Court only if the Appeals Selection Committee grants leave to appeal.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in Norway and serves as a court of precedent. Its principal role is to clarify and develop the law through its rulings, within the framework established by the Constitution and legislation. Appeals raising issues of significance beyond the individual case are more likely to be granted leave to proceed before the Court.
Divisions, grand chamber and plenary
Cases are ordinarily decided by a division of five justices. The Supreme Court operates through two parallel divisions. Cases involving issues of particular importance may be heard by a Grand Chamber of eleven justices or by the Court sitting in plenary.
Oral and written procedure
Proceedings before the Supreme Court are almost always oral and open to the public. Evidence is not presented directly to the Court, and witnesses do not give evidence as they do in the lower courts. Nor does the Supreme Court conduct site inspections.
Proceedings before the Appeals Selection Committee are conducted in writing, and decisions are made on the basis of the case documents.
The justices serve on a rotating basis in both the divisions and the Appeals Selection Committee.