Institutional Aspects of the Nordic Justice Systems: Striving for Consolidation and Settlements

Abstract This chapter maps the structure of Nordic justice systems and explores whether why one could argue that there is a ‘Nordic’ structure. The aim also to examine recent changes investigate these entail cultural shift in some or all countries. It examines shifts intended functions courts; court structure; use alternative dispute resolution outside courts. argues while private courts have been accentuated decades are increasingly expected facilitate amicable solutions, has important. discusses how ideal generalist judge important consolidating While most congruent across countries, hence strengthened culture, differences among countries regarding recourse against administrative decisions growing. New emerged do not follow existing divide between East-Nordic West-Nordic