Background & Purpose

The highest courts needed better conditions to handle unexpected workloads, and the penalty fees for lawyers had remained unchanged for over 25 years.

Proposals & Debate

The government proposed expanding the possibilities for retired supreme court judges to temporarily step in and assist. Additionally, the government proposed raising the penalty fees for lawyers who break professional ethical rules to better reflect today's economic standards.

The Decision

Parliament voted yes to the government's proposal, meaning the rules for retired judges are expanded and the financial penalties for lawyers are significantly increased.

Does this affect you?

  • Retired Supreme Court Judges: Given the opportunity to temporarily return to service during periods of heavy workloads.
  • Practicing Lawyers: Subject to significantly higher financial penalty fees if they violate professional ethical standards.

In Practice

  • Retired supreme court and supreme administrative court judges can temporarily work as substitutes during unexpected workloads.
  • Lawyers who break professional ethical rules face a minimum penalty fee of 10 000 SEK.
  • The maximum penalty fee for lawyers breaking professional rules is raised to 250 000 SEK.