Citizens and democracy

In a democratic society it is assumed that different interests and views are recognised and that elected representatives have both the right and the obligation to make them known. Democracy serves the purpose of enabling the public to select and change authorities in a peaceful manner.

Democracy means that all government authority is derived from the people and that the handling of government authority shall be subject to monitoring by the people. The constitution of the Republic of Iceland states that everyone shall be equal before the law and enjoy human rights.

The punishment of criminal offenders is considered a just and an effective means to prevent criminal offenses in society. According to the law, the severity of the punishment should reflect the seriousness of the violation.