Sample questions: Law and justice
The constitutional laws, the justice system, the courts, criminal investigation and trial.
Sweden has four constitutional laws: the Instrument of Government, the Freedom of the Press Act, the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression and the Act of Succession. They are harder to change than ordinary laws. The Instrument of Government states that all public power derives from the people. The right of public access to nature (allemansrätten) is protected in the Instrument of Government. The justice system includes the Police, the Prosecution Authority, the courts, the Crime Victim Authority and the Prison and Probation Service. The courts are independent and come in three levels: district court, court of appeal and the Supreme Court. Rule of law means everyone is treated equally before the law, has the right to a defence lawyer and can appeal. A suspect can be detained (anhållen) for up to 72 hours; a court can then order remand in custody. In the district court lay judges rule together with the judge. Criminal responsibility begins at the age of 15.
The questions below are written by Medborgarklar for practice. They are not taken from a real test, they are not published by UHR, and we do not claim they have appeared in a sitting.
8 questions with answers and explanations
Which authority prevents, investigates and fights crime in Sweden?
- AThe Crime Victim Authority
- BThe police
- CThe courts
- DThe Prison and Probation Service
Correct answer: B. The police
Why: The justice system consists of several authorities. The police prevent, investigate and fight crime. The Prosecution Authority decides whether a suspect should be taken to court, the courts rule, and the Prison and Probation Service is responsible for prisons.
What does the Instrument of Government say about where public power comes from?
- AAll public power in Sweden proceeds from the people
- BAll public power proceeds from the courts
- CAll public power proceeds from the king
- DAll public power proceeds from the government
Correct answer: A. All public power in Sweden proceeds from the people
Why: The Instrument of Government states that all public power in Sweden proceeds from the people, that the Riksdag makes the laws and that the government governs the country. Power must be exercised with respect for the equal worth of all people.
How many constitutional laws does Sweden have?
- ATwo
- BThree
- CFour
- DFive
Correct answer: C. Four
Why: Sweden has four constitutional laws: the Instrument of Government, the Freedom of the Press Act, the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression and the Act of Succession.
Which constitutional law states that all public power derives from the people?
- AThe Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression
- BThe Act of Succession
- CThe Freedom of the Press Act
- DThe Instrument of Government
Correct answer: D. The Instrument of Government
Why: The Instrument of Government states that all public power derives from the people, that the Riksdag makes the laws and that the government governs the country.
What does the Act of Succession decide?
- AHow the Riksdag is elected
- BWho is to become king or queen after the current monarch
- CWho becomes prime minister
- DHow the courts rule
Correct answer: B. Who is to become king or queen after the current monarch
Why: The Act of Succession is the constitutional law that decides who becomes king or queen after the current head of state.
What are the three levels of general courts in Sweden?
- AAdministrative court of appeal, district court and the Chancellor of Justice
- BPolice court, court of appeal and national court
- CAdministrative court, committee court and royal court
- DDistrict court, court of appeal and the Supreme Court
Correct answer: D. District court, court of appeal and the Supreme Court
Why: There are three levels: the district court is the first instance, the court of appeal reviews appealed cases, and the Supreme Court hears only certain important cases.
Who decides whether a person suspected of a crime is to be brought before a court?
- AThe prosecutor
- BThe Prison and Probation Service
- CThe police
- DThe judge
Correct answer: A. The prosecutor
Why: The Prosecution Authority decides whether people suspected of crime are to be brought before a court. After the investigation a prosecutor decides whether there will be a trial.
How long can a detained person be held before the court considers remand?
- AUp to a week
- BUp to 72 hours
- CUp to a month
- DUp to 12 hours
Correct answer: B. Up to 72 hours
Why: If the police have strong suspicions the person can be arrested and a prosecutor can order detention. The suspect can then be held for up to 72 hours before a court can decide on remand.