Denmark · Overview
The legal system of Denmark
A Nordic civil-law system that relies less on comprehensive codes than the Germanic tradition and more on statute interpreted pragmatically by a unified court system. An EU member with an opt-out from parts of justice and home affairs.
Legal tradition
Denmark belongs to the civil law (nordic) tradition. A Nordic civil-law system that relies less on comprehensive codes than the Germanic tradition and more on statute interpreted pragmatically by a unified court system. An EU member with an opt-out from parts of justice and home affairs.
How power is divided
Parliamentary government in which the cabinet is drawn from and answerable to the Folketing, with an independent unified judiciary.
Where law comes from
- Grundloven
- The constitutional act of 1953.
- EU law
- Directly applicable, subject to Denmark’s justice and home-affairs opt-out.
- Statutes (love)
- Enacted by the Folketing.
- Case law
- Persuasive and, from the Supreme Court, strongly guiding.
The legal profession
A single advokat profession admitted after a law degree, practical training and a bar course; judges are appointed from experienced lawyers.
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