Sweden's four constitutions
Sweden has four constitutions that are superior to all other laws. Basic laws are more difficult to change than ordinary laws – two parliamentary decisions are required with an election in between. This protects the constitutions from temporary political majorities.
- The form of government (RF): the most important constitution; establishes that all power emanates from the people, states basic freedoms and rights and how the country is governed
- Freedom of the Press Ordinance (TF, 1766): guarantees the right to print and distribute writings freely; the world's oldest press freedom legislation
- The Freedom of Expression Act (YGL): protects freedom of expression in radio, television, film and on the Internet
- The succession order (1810): regulates who inherits the Swedish throne
Basic freedoms and rights
The form of government lists a number of basic freedoms and rights that everyone in Sweden has. These rights protect the individual against the state and cannot be limited except in special circumstances.
- Freedom of expression: the right to freely express thoughts and opinions
- Freedom of information: the right to access information and seek facts
- Freedom of assembly: the right to organize and participate in meetings
- Freedom of demonstration: the right to participate in demonstrations
- Freedom of association: the right to form and participate in associations
- Freedom of religion: the right to freely choose religion or no religion
- Freedom of movement: the right to move freely within the country and to leave the country
The principle of publicity
The principle of publicity is part of the Freedom of the Press Ordinance from 1766. It means that all public documents of authorities are public and that anyone can request access to them. This makes Sweden one of the world's most transparent countries.
Documents can be kept secret (confidential) if they concern the security of the kingdom, the integrity of individuals or ongoing criminal investigations. But the basic rule is openness, not secrecy.
The public right
Allemansrätten is a unique Swedish (and Nordic) tradition that gives everyone - regardless of whether they own the land or not - the right to spend time in nature. It is protected in the constitution and is based on mutual respect for nature and landowners.
- You GET to: walk, cycle and ride in nature; picking berries, mushrooms and wild flowers; camp temporarily; swim in lakes and seas
- You MUST NOT: disturb the landowner (eg not camp in the garden); damage forests and land; hunt without a permit; fire carelessly; driving off-road
- Basic principle: "Do not disturb - do not destroy"
Court system – civil and criminal cases
The Swedish court system is divided into general courts (for criminal and civil cases) and administrative courts (for disputes with authorities). The courts are autonomous and independent.
- District Court: first instance for criminal cases and civil disputes
- Court of Appeal: appeal body; examines judgments from the district court
- Supreme Court (HD): third instance; only deals with matters of principle importance (precedents)
- Administrative law: disputes against authorities (e.g. about a grant decision)
- Court of Appeal: appeal body for administrative matters
- The Supreme Administrative Court (HFD): last instance in administrative cases
Prosecutor and police
The police investigate crimes and the prosecutor decides whether charges should be brought. The prosecutor is independent from the police and can choose to drop an investigation if there is no evidence. A person is innocent until proven otherwise by a court of law (presumption of innocence).
Penalties and penalties
The Swedish penal system aims to prevent crime and rehabilitate criminals, not just punish them. There is a wide range of penalties depending on the seriousness of the crime.
- Fines: fines for lesser offences
- Conditional sentence: sentence without prison, but with a requirement of sobriety
- Protective supervision: monitoring and requirements for treatment
- Imprisonment: for more serious crimes; maximum penalty normally 10 years
- Life imprisonment (life): for murder and the most serious crimes; can be converted to a fixed term sentence upon application
Jurisdiction age and deprivation of liberty
The general age of criminal responsibility in Sweden is 15. Since 10 September 2026, a temporary exception allows 14-year-olds to be sentenced for certain serious crimes. Children may also receive support or measures from social services.
- General age: 15; temporary exception from 14 for certain serious crimes
- Detention: the police can detain a person for up to 6 hours for questioning without a formal warrant
- Formal detention: the prosecutor can decide on detention for up to 72 hours
- Detention: the court decides on detention for longer detention pending trial