What you need to understand
Rights, freedoms and the rule of law
The equal value of every person is a fundamental Swedish principle. Rights are protected through constitutional law, ordinary legislation, EU law and international commitments. The rule of law also means that public power needs legal authority, courts are independent and a person accused of a crime is entitled to a fair hearing. Many freedoms are strongly protected but are not unlimited; legislation may protect other people and society from harm.
Fundamental freedoms and protection from discrimination
Freedom of expression, information, assembly, demonstration, association and religion are central freedoms. The Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination connected to specified grounds, including sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation and age. Gender equality means that women and men should have the same rights, obligations and opportunities.
Children’s rights and legal certainty
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is Swedish law and emphasises the best interests of the child, the right to be heard and protection from violence. Corporal punishment of children is prohibited. A suspect is presumed innocent until guilt has been proved, and a court must assess evidence independently. Police investigate crime, prosecutors lead many investigations and bring charges, and courts decide guilt and sanctions.
Important points to learn
- Fundamental freedoms and the fact that some rights can be limited by law.
- Discrimination grounds and the distinction between equality and gender equality.
- The best interests of the child, children’s voice and the ban on corporal punishment.
- Independent courts, presumption of innocence and a fair trial.
- The different roles of police, prosecutors, courts and the Prison and Probation Service.
Three practice questions with answers
These questions come from Provkollen’s independently written question bank. The answer and explanation are shown immediately so you can use this page as a study guide.
01
What does legal certainty mean?
Correct answer: That everyone is treated equally before the law and receives a fair trial
Explanation: Legal certainty requires equality before the law and a fair examination of the evidence.
Question source: UHR – Sweden in focus (corrected edition, Swedish)
02
What does the Act of Succession regulate?
Correct answer: Who is next in line to become king or queen
Explanation: The Act of Succession determines the order of succession to the throne.
Question source: UHR – Sweden in focus (corrected edition, Swedish)
03
What does Sweden's sexual consent law require?
Correct answer: That the other person participates voluntarily
Explanation: A person who wants to have sex must ensure that the other person participates voluntarily, including within marriage.
Question source: UHR – Sweden in focus (corrected edition, Swedish)
Official sources for further study
Always check current information with UHR and in Swedish law. UHR’s corrected study material is the main source for this guide.