Background & Purpose

The Council on Law reviews major legal proposals before they become laws, and fears of a heavy workload during the first half of 2026 led to a need for more capacity.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal to temporarily allow the Council on Law to operate with up to six divisions instead of five.

Does this affect you?

  • Legal professionals and lawmakers: Affected by faster processing times for legislative proposals during periods of heavy workloads.
  • Supreme court justices: Must manage the division workload within existing limits for active serving justices.

In Practice

  • The Council on Law can establish a temporary sixth division if necessary.
  • The change applies only during the first half of 2026.
  • The total number of active supreme court justices serving at the same time remains unchanged.
  • Operations will return to a maximum of five divisions after June 2026.