Testo integrale delle 3 leggi storiche su mediazione e sistemi di composizione dei conflitti in Norvegia, tratte dalla raccolta Sistemi di composizione delle controversie, vol. V di Carlo Alberto Calcagno. Vedi anche l'indice completo della storia della legislazione per paese e la legislazione internazionale vigente.
- 1. Legge 15 marzo 1991 n. 3 in ultimo modificata dalla Legge 4 luglio 2003 n. 75. In vigore dal 01/01/2004.
- 2. Regolamento in materia di mediazione 13 agosto 1992 n. 620 e successive modifiche. In vigore dal 10 settembre 1992.
- 3. Legge 17 giugno 2005 n. 90 relativa alla mediazione e alla procedura nelle controversie civili sulle controversie.
1. Legge 15 marzo 1991 n. 3 in ultimo modificata dalla Legge 4 luglio 2003 n. 75. In vigore dal 01/01/2004.
Fonte ufficiale: http://www.lovdata.no/all/nl-19910315-003.html
Lov om megling i konfliktråd (konfliktrådsloven)
Lovens tittel endret ved lov 21 des 2000 nr. 121 (ikr. 1 jan 2001 iflg. res. 21 des 2000 nr. 1357). – Jf. strl. 1902 § 53 nr. 3 (1), h, strpl. § 67 (4) jf. § 71a, og lov 18 mai 2001 nr. 21 § 53 (1), c.
Kapittel I. Generelle bestemmelser
§ 1. Konfliktrådet har til oppgave å megle i tvister som oppstår på grunn av at en eller flere personer har påført andre en skade, et tap eller en annen krenkelse.
§ 2. Hvert konfliktråd skal ledes av en konfliktrådsleder. Konfliktrådslederen må være vederheftig og valgbar ved kommunale valg. Utelukket fra ansettelse som konfliktrådsleder er den som a) i løpet av de siste fem årene forut for ansettelsen er idømt betinget frihetsstraff, eller b) er idømt ubetinget fengselsstraff og ikke er løslatt, på prøve eller endelig, innen ti år forut for ansettelsen.
Staten har ansvaret for og dekker utgiftene til konfliktrådene. Nærmere regler om konfliktrådenes organisasjon og saksbehandling fastsettes av Kongen.
Loven gjelder også for Svalbard. Departementet kan gi forskrift om lovens anvendelse på Svalbard og kan fastsette særlige regler under hensyn til de stedlige forhold.
Endret ved lover 21 des 2000 nr. 121 (ikr. 1 jan 2001 iflg. res. 21 des 2000 nr. 1357), 15 juni 2001 nr. 66 (ikr. 1 jan 2002 iflg. res. 15 juni 2001 nr. 695), 4 juli 2003 nr. 75 (ikr. 1 jan 2004 iflg. res. 4 juli 2003 nr. 901).
§ 3. Det oppnevnes konfliktrådsmeglere for hver kommune. Meglerne oppnevnes av en representant utpekt av kommunestyret/kommunestyrene, en representant fra politiet og konfliktrådslederen. På Svalbard oppnevnes konfliktrådsmeglere av en representant utpekt av Longyearbyen lokalstyre, en representant for Sysselmannen på Svalbard og konfliktrådslederen. Oppnevnelsen gjelder for en periode på 4 år.
Endret ved lover 21 des 2000 nr. 121 (ikr. 1 jan 2001 iflg. res. 21 des 2000 nr. 1357), 15 juni 2001 nr. 66 (ikr. 1 jan 2002 iflg. res. 15 juni 2001 nr. 695), 4 juli 2003 nr. 75 (ikr. 1 jan 2004 iflg. res. 4 juli 2003 nr. 901).
§ 4. Vervet som megler i konfliktrådet er frivillig. Personer som har fylt 18 år kan oppnevnes.
Kravene til vederheftighet, valgbarhet og vandel etter § 2 første ledd gjelder tilsvarende for konfliktrådsmeglere.
Endret ved lover 21 des 2000 nr. 121 (ikr. 1 jan 2001 iflg. res. 21 des 2000 nr. 1357), 4 juli 2003 nr. 75 (ikr. 1 jan 2004 iflg. res. 4 juli 2003 nr. 901).
§ 5. Megling i konfliktrådet krever partenes samtykke. Det kreves videre at de i all hovedsak er enige om det saksforholdet tvisten gjelder.
§ 6. Megling foretas som regel i den kommunen hvor den påklagede bor eller oppholder seg.
§ 7. Partene må møte personlig i meglingsmøtet.
Hvis den skadelidte er et foretak, kan en person i foretakets tjeneste møte på dets vegne.
Partene kan ikke møte med fullmektig. Konfliktrådet kan tillate at partene lar seg bistå i meglingsmøtet av en myndig person som ikke er advokat.
§ 8. I den enkelte sak settes konfliktrådet med én megler. Megleren avgjør om den avtalen partene kommer fram til, skal godkjennes.
§ 9. Forvaltningsloven gjelder for konfliktrådenes virksomhet.
Når konfliktrådet avviser en sak eller nekter å godkjenne en avtale, plikter rådet å gi begrunnelse etter reglene i forvaltningsloven §§ 24 og 25.
§ 10. Med mindre annet er fastsatt i eller i medhold av lov, plikter meglere og andre som utfører tjeneste eller arbeid for konfliktrådet, å bevare taushet om det de i forbindelse med tjenesten eller arbeidet får vite om noens personlige forhold eller andre forhold som nevnt i forvaltningsloven § 13 første ledd. Som personlig forhold regnes også partenes navn, fødested, fødselsdato, personnummer, statsborgerforhold, sivilstand, yrke, bopel og arbeidssted. For øvrig gjelder forvaltningsloven §§ 13 til 13 e. Brudd på taushetsplikten straffes etter straffeloven § 121.
Retten kan ikke ta imot forklaringer som et vitne ikke kan gi uten å krenke taushetsplikten etter første ledd med mindre retten etter en avveining av hensynet til taushetsplikten og hensynet til sakens opplysning ved kjennelse bestemmer at vitnet likevel skal avgi forklaring. Med mindre begge parter samtykker, kan vitnet ikke forklare seg om hva partene har erkjent eller tilbudt under meglingen.
Endret ved lov 21 des 2000 nr. 121 (ikr. 1 jan 2001 iflg. res. 21 des 2000 nr. 1357). Endres ved lov 20 mai 2005 nr. 28 (ikr. fra den tid som fastsettes ved lov) som endret ved lov 19 juni 2009 nr. 74.
Kapittel II. Særlig om behandlingen av straffesaker
§ 11. Når påtalemyndigheten har overført en straffesak til megling i konfliktrådet etter straffeprosessloven § 71 a, skal konfliktrådet ta saken under behandling så snart som mulig.
§ 12. Dersom en part er under 18 år, må også vergen samtykke i at saken blir overført til konfliktrådet.
Vergen skal varsles om meglingsmøtet og har rett til å være til stede. Dersom vergen ikke kan eller vil ivareta partens tarv i saken, skal hjelpeverge oppnevnes etter vergemålsloven § 16.
§ 13. Hvis partene blir enige om en avtale, settes denne opp skriftlig.
En avtale som forutsetter en ytelse til den skadelidte, skal fastsette omfanget av ytelsen og forfallstid. Det skal videre fastsettes om avtalen representerer det endelige oppgjør mellom partene.
Er en part umyndig, må avtalen godkjennes av vergen.
§ 14. Dersom avtalen i urimelig grad favoriserer den ene av partene, eller er uheldig av andre tungtveiende grunner, skal megleren nekte å godkjenne avtalen. Ellers avsluttes meglingen med at megleren skriftlig godkjenner avtalen.
Hver av partene kan trekke seg fra avtalen ved å gi beskjed til konfliktrådet innen en uke etter at den er godkjent av megleren. Dette gjelder likevel ikke en avtale som er oppfylt. Megleren skal opplyse partene om denne adgangen.
§ 15. Når meglingen er avsluttet, skal konfliktrådet sende sakens dokumenter til påtalemyndigheten med opplysning om at det er inngått en godkjent avtale mellom partene.
Påtalemyndigheten skal varsles hvis den siktede bryter avtalen.
Når avtalen er oppfylt, skal konfliktrådet sende en bekreftelse om dette til påtalemyndigheten.
§ 16. Er en sak overført til konfliktrådet og avsluttet med godkjent avtale, kan påtalemyndigheten åpne strafforfølgning på ny bare dersom den siktede bryter avtalen vesentlig.
§ 17. Avgjørelse om overføring av en straffesak til megling i konfliktrådet skal ikke registreres i bøte- eller strafferegisteret.
II.
Loven trer i kraft fra den tid1 Kongen bestemmer. Det kan bestemmes at forskjellige deler av loven skal settes i kraft til ulike tider i forskjellige deler av landet.
1 Fra 1 sep 1992 iflg. res. 13 aug 1992 nr. 619.
2. Regolamento in materia di mediazione 13 agosto 1992 n. 620 e successive modifiche. In vigore dal 10 settembre 1992.
Fonte ufficiale: http://www.lovdata.no/for/sf/jd/xd-19920813-0620.html
FOR 1992-08-13 nr 620: Forskrift om megling i konfliktråd.
Forskrift om megling i konfliktråd.
Fastsatt ved Regjeringens res. 13. august 1992 i medhold av lov 15. mars 1991 nr. 3 om megling i konfliktråd § 3. Fremmet av Justis- og politidepartementet. Endret 19 april 1993 nr. 306, 19 des 2003 nr. 1674.
I. Konfliktrådenes organisasjon mm
§ 1. Konfliktrådets oppgaver og formål
Konfliktrådet har til oppgave å megle i konflikter som oppstår på grunn av at en eller flere personer har påført andre en skade, et tap eller annen krenkelse. Konfliktrådsmegling skal være et alternativ til vanlig strafferettslig behandling og til løsning av andre konflikter, ved at partene selv aktivt bidrar til å finne en løsning, hvor det tas hensyn til både skadevolderens og skadelidtes forhold.
Konfliktrådet skal gjennom sitt virke styrke lokalsamfunnets mulighet til selv å ta seg av lettere lovbrudd og andre konflikter, og der igjennom også bidra til å forebygge kriminalitet.
§ 2. Organisering
Konfliktrådsordningen er organisert i tre nivåer: konfliktrådene på lokalt nivå, sekretariatet for konfliktrådene på sentralt nivå og Justisdepartementet som overordnet ansvarlig organ.
0 Endret ved forskrift 19 des 2003 nr. 1674 (i kraft 1 jan 2004).
§ 3. Drift
Sekretariatet for konfliktrådene har ansvaret for den faglige og administrative driften av konfliktrådene.
0 Endret ved forskrift 19 des 2003 nr. 1674 (i kraft 1 jan 2004).
§ 4. Instruksjon, tilsyn og faglig veiledning
Konfliktrådet kan ikke instrueres om avgjørelsen i en sak. Justisdepartementet kan gi nærmere bestemmelser om saksbehandlingen.
Sekretariatet fører tilsyn med at konfliktrådets virksomhet utøves i samsvar med fastsatte lover og regler.
Sekretariatet har ansvaret for faglig veiledning og opplæring.
0 Endret ved forskrift 19 des 2003 nr. 1674 (i kraft 1 jan 2004).
§ 5. Konfliktrådslederen
Sekretariatet skal ansette en konfliktrådsleder til å administrere konfliktrådets virksomhet.
0 Endret ved forskrift 19 des 2003 nr. 1674 (i kraft 1 jan 2004).
§ 6. Utvalg av meglere
Det skal oppnevnes en eller flere konfliktrådsmeglere for hver kommune. Meglerne bør ha spesiell interesse for vervet og må være egnet til meglingsrollen. Konfliktrådslederen fastsetter antallet meglere etter behov. Meglerne oppnevnes for 4 år.
De ledige vervene skal normalt kunngjøres og interesserte skal inngi skriftlig søknad til konfliktrådslederen. Konfliktrådslederen skal forberede saken og kan gi forslag over søkere som bør vurderes nærmere.
Meglerne oppnevnes av et oppnevningsutvalg bestående av en representant utpekt av kommunestyret i den kommune valget gjelder, en representant fra politiet samt konfliktrådslederen. Ved uenighet avgjøres oppnevningen av meglere ved alminnelig flertall. Ved stemmelikhet er konfliktrådslederens stemme utslagsgivende.
Meglerne gis godtgjøring og refusjon av utgifter etter satser som fastsettes av departementet.
0 Endret ved forskrift 19 des 2003 nr. 1674 (i kraft 1 jan 2004).
II. Generelt om behandling av sak i konfliktråd
§ 7. Hvilke saker konfliktrådet skal behandle
Konfliktrådet skal behandle:
1) straffesaker som oversendes av påtalemyndigheten,
2) andre saker som det finner egnet (jf § 1), herunder lovbrudd av mindre alvorlig art. Saken kan bringes inn av den eller de som forholdet gjelder (eventuelt verge) eller av en offentlig etat, jf § 8.
Partene skal ikke betale gebyr.
§ 8. Samtykke fra partene og verge
Megling i konfliktråd krever partenes samtykke. Er en part under 18 år, kreves også samtykke fra vergen. I sivile saker kan vergens samtykke unnlates når den mindreårige kan inngå avtale på egenhånd i henhold til vergemålsloven og konflikrådslederen eller megleren dersom han er overlatt saken, finner det ubetenkelig.
I saker som bringes inn av påtalemyndigheten eller av en offentlig etat, skal samtykke normalt foreligge før saken sendes til konfliktrådet. Konfliktrådslederen eller en megler kan bistå i å innhente partenes og vergens samtykke.
§ 9. Hvilket konfliktråd skal behandle saken
I saker som overføres fra påtalemyndigheten, beslutter påtalemyndigheten hvilket konfliktråd som skal behandle saken. Konfliktrådet kan i særlige tilfelle avtale med påtalemyndigheten at saken skal overføres til et annet konfliktråd.
Sivilt innbrakte saker behandles som regel av konfliktrådet i den kommune eller eventuelt konfliktrådskretsen i kommunen hvor den påklagede bor eller oppholder seg. Er det flere påklagede, bør saken som regel behandles der hvor de fleste påklagede, eller partene hvis forholdet står likt, bor eller oppholder seg. For øvrig avgjøres spørsmålet etter hva konfliktrådene finner mest hensiktsmessig. Partenes syn skal tillegges vekt. Er konfliktrådene uenig seg imellom om hvor saken skal behandles, kan spørsmålet avgjøres av fylkesmannen.
§ 10. Behandling av saker som overføres fra påtalemyndigheten (straffesaker)
Når påtalemyndigheten har overført en straffesak til megling i konfliktrådet, skal konfliktrådet ta saken til behandling så snart som mulig. Megling bør så vidt mulig finne sted innen to uker.
Dersom megling eller avtale ikke kommer i stand, skal saken straks og normalt senest innen 3 måneder fra oversendelsen tilbakesendes politikammeret, med opplysning om hvorfor megling eller avtale ikke har kommet i stand. Partene skal samtidig gis melding. Dersom saken krever utsettelse, skal politikammeret i stedet gis underretning om når saken forventes å bli behandlet.
§ 11. Behandling av saker som bringes inn av partene mm (sivile saker)
I saker som bringes inn av partene eller andre etater enn påtalemyndigheten (sivile saker), avgjør konfliktrådslederen om saken egner seg for konfliktrådsbehandling, jf § 7.
Konfliktrådet kan behandle deler av et saksforhold når det finnes hensiktsmessig. En sak med flere skadevoldere kan behandles delvis eller til ulik tid.
Saken skal tas til behandling så snart som mulig.
§ 12. Forberedelse til megling
Konfliktrådslederen utpeker en megler til den enkelte sak. Når det finnes hensiktsmessig, kan det utpekes flere meglere til å assistere.
Etter journalføring og eventuell annen innledende behandling overlates saken til megleren, som så snart råd er skal ta kontakt med partene og eventuelt verge for å avtale megling og om nødvendig innhente samtykke, jf § 8. Partene skal orienteres om hva konfliktrådsmeglingen innebærer. Om nødvendig kan partene gis en kort frist til å godta megling eller tidspunktet for meglingsmøtet.
Dersom en part er under 18 år skal vergen varsles om meglingsmøtet, med opplysning om at vergen har rett til å være tilstede. I sivile saker kan dette likevel unnlates når det ikke finnes nødvendig å innhente samtykke etter reglene i § 8. Er en verge som er varslet og som ønsker å være tilstede forhindret fra å møte, skal meglingsmøtet normalt utsettes og det skal gjøres avtale om nytt tidspunkt så snart som mulig.
§ 13. Meglingen
Megling kan foregå på ethvert sted som finnes hensiktsmessig, men normalt ikke på noen av partenes bopel eller eiendom.
Partene skal selv søke å komme frem til en løsning. Megleren kan bidra ved å foreslå mulige løsninger og gi forslag til avtale.
Partene kan gjøre avtale om erstatning i penger eller naturalytelser. En sak kan også gjøres opp uten at det forutsettes noen ytelser.
§ 14. Formkrav til avtalen
I saker overført fra påtalemyndigheten, skal en eventuell avtale settes opp skriftlig av megleren og undertegnes av partene. I sivile saker bør tilsvarende gjøres når ikke annet finnes hensiktsmessig.
En avtale som forutsetter en ytelse til den skadelidte, skal fastsette omfanget av ytelsen og forfallstid. Det skal videre fastsettes om avtalen representerer det endelige oppgjør mellom partene.
Er en part umyndig, skal avtalen godkjennes av vergen. Godkjennelsen skal så vidt mulig skje skriftlig. I sivile saker kan godkjennelse unnlates når vergens samtykke ikke anses for å være nødvendig etter vergemålslovens bestemmelser.
§ 15. Godkjennelse og angrefrist
I saker som er overført fra påtalemyndigheten, skal megleren nekte å godkjenne en avtale som i urimelig grad favoriserer den ene av partene eller er uheldig av andre tungtveiende grunner. Ellers avsluttes meglingen med at megleren skriftlig godkjenner avtalen. Er det oppnevnt flere meglere etter § 12, kan den enkelte megler når det finnes hensiktsmessig godkjenne avtalen overfor de parter vedkommende særlig har meglet for. Ellers godkjenner den hovedansvarlige megleren avtalene.
Bestemmelsen i første ledd gjelder tilsvarende i sivile saker, dog slik at skriftlig godkjenning ikke er påkrevet. Partene skal gjøres oppmerksom på at godkjennelsen ikke har selvstendig rettslig virkning.
I saker som er overført fra påtalemyndigheten, kan hver av partene trekke seg fra avtalen ved å gi beskjed til konfliktrådet innen en uke etter at den er godkjent av megleren. Dette gjelder likevel ikke en avtale som er oppfylt. Tilsvarende rettighet kan partene oppfordres til å gjøre avtale om i sivile saker.
Partene skal skriftlig opplyses om angrefristen og om konsekvensene av at avtalen ikke overholdes.
III. Særregler for straffesaker overført fra påtalemyndigheten
§ 16. Melding om inngått avtale
Når fristen etter § 15 tredje ledd er utløpt, skal konfliktrådet sende sakens dokumenter til politikammeret med opplysning om det er inngått en godkjent avtale mellom partene. Et eksemplar av avtalen skal vedlegges.
Konfliktrådet skal beholde et eksemplar av avtalen.
§ 17. Melding om oppfylt avtale
Partene skal gi melding til konfliktrådet når avtalen er oppfylt. Dersom slik melding ikke gis i rimelig tid etter den avtalte oppfyllelsesfristens utløp, skal konfliktrådslederen innhente melding fra partene.
Konfliktrådslederen skal straks sende skriftlig melding om at avtalen er oppfylt til politikammeret.
§ 18. Melding om brudd på avtale
Parten(e) skal gi melding til konfliktrådet om brudd på en inngått avtale. Konfliktrådet skal om mulig innhente den annen parts syn.
Dersom det ikke kommer til ny megling, jf § 19, eller annen enighet mellom partene om nye vilkår, skal det gis melding om bruddet til politikammeret. Konfliktrådet skal vedlegge en innstilling om hvorfor avtalen er brutt og om andre relevant opplysninger, og om partene mener dette bør få konsekvenser.
§ 19. Ny megling
Dersom avtalen viser seg vanskelig å oppfylle eller særlige forhold gjør avtalen urimelig eller avtalen er brutt av andre grunner, kan det gis anledning til ny megling. Er det gitt melding til påtalemyndigheten om brudd, jf § 18, skal det også gis melding om den nye meglingens utfall.
IV. Forskjellige bestemmelser
§ 20. Klage
Konfliktrådets beslutninger kan ikke påklages til et annet forvaltningsorgan.
§ 21. Arkivering av saker
Samtlige dokumenter som ikke tilbakesendes påtalemyndigheten og kopi av inngåtte avtaler, skal arkiveres forsvarlig og oppbevares i minst ti år.
§ 22. Rett til tolk
Partene har rett til uten kostnad å la seg bistå av tolk etter nærmere regler som departementet fastsetter.
§ 23. Godtgjørelse til partene for utgifter ved meglingen
Departementet kan gi bestemmelser om godtgjøring til partene for særlige utgifter pådratt i forbindelse med meglingen.
V. Ikrafttredelse
Forskriften trer i kraft 1. september 1992.
3. Legge 17 giugno 2005 n. 90 relativa alla mediazione e alla procedura nelle controversie civili sulle controversie.
Fonte: Carlo Alberto Calcagno, Sistemi di composizione delle controversie, vol. V.
In http://www.ub.uio.no/ujur/ulovdata/lov-20050617-090-eng.pdf
(Extract)
(Omissis)
Part II – Mediation and clarification of the case
Chapter 5. Obligations before bringing action
Section 5-1 Scope
(1) This Chapter applies to proceedings in legal disputes before an action is brought before a district court pursuant to Chapter 9 or 10, except for claims concerning administrative decisions on coercive measures pursuant to Chapter 36.
(2) Section 5-2(1) first and second sentence also apply before an action is brought before a conciliation board.
Section 5-2 Notice of claim and the basis for the claim
(1) Before bringing an action, the party shall give notice in writing to the person or persons against whom the action may be brought. The notice shall contain information about the claim and the basis for the claim. The notice shall invite the opposite party to respond to the claim and the basis for the claim.
(2) A person who receives notice of claim shall respond to the claim and the basis for the claim within a reasonable time. If the claim is contested in whole or in part, he shall specify the basis upon which it is contested. If he is of the opinion that he has a claim against the party who has given notice of claim, he shall at the same time give notice of his claim and the basis for his claim, and invite the opposite party to respond.
(3) A notice of claim pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) that is made to a private party shall be delivered on paper unless otherwise agreed between the parties or there is an established business relationship between the parties where communication normally takes place electronically.
Section 5-3 Obligation to provide information about important evidence
(1) A person who gives notice of claim or who contests a notified claim shall at the same time provide information about important documents or other evidence of which he is aware and of which he cannot expect the opposite party to be aware. This applies irrespective of whether such evidence supports his position or the position of the opposite party.
(2) The obligation in subsection (1) applies subject to the limitations pursuant to the rules on prohibited evidence and exceptions from evidence in Chapter 22 and other rules of evidence in this Act.
Section 5-4 Attempt to reach amicable settlement
The parties shall investigate whether it is possible to reach an amicable settlement of the dispute before action is brought, and shall make a strong attempt at settlement, if necessary through conciliation before a conciliation board, non-judicial mediation or by bringing the dispute before a non-judicial dispute resolution board.
Chapter 6. Proceedings before the conciliation board
Section 6-1 Principles governing the work of the conciliation board
(1) The procedure before the conciliation board shall help the parties to achieve a simple, swift and cheap resolution of the case through conciliation or judgement.
(2) The provisions in Part I, IV and V of this Act apply to the conciliation board as far as they are appropriate and this Chapter does not provide otherwise.
Section 6-2 Cases that are heard by the conciliation board
(1) The conciliation board can hear cases that can be brought by writ of summons to the district court pursuant to the provisions on general procedure or small claims procedure in this Act.
However, the conciliation board shall not hear a) family cases, except for cases solely concerned with financial settlement upon separation;
b) cases against a public authority, institution or civil servant concerning matters which are not exclusively of a private law nature, c) cases concerning the validity of an arbitration award or an in-court settlement, d) cases decided on by a tribunal if it is provided by statute that the decisions of such tribunal shall be binding on the parties unless the case is brought before the courts, nor e) other cases in respect of which it is provided by statute that conciliation before the conciliation board shall not take place.
(2) Before an asset claim can be heard by the district court, it shall be heard by the conciliation board provided the conditions in subsection (1) are fulfilled. However, this shall not apply if a) the amount in dispute is at least NOK 125 000 and both parties have been assisted by a lawyer, b) out-of-court mediation pursuant to Chapter 7 has been attempted, c) the case has been heard on its merits in the fair trade or complaints tribunal with the consent of the opposite party, or in a similar tribunal that has been publicly approved pursuant to statute, or d) a new claim or a new party is introduced pursuant to sections 15-1 to 15-3 after the writ of summons has been served.
Section 6-3 Application for conciliation proceedings
(1) A case shall be brought before the conciliation board by way of complaint. The complaint shall be submitted orally or in writing to the conciliation board pursuant to the provisions of
(2) The complaint shall state a) the name of the conciliation board, b) the names and addresses of the parties and of any counsel or party representative pursuant to sections 2-3 to 2-5, c) the claim that is being made and a prayer for relief which clearly states the result the claimant is requesting by way of judgement, and d) the grounds for the claim, which must always contain a concise description of the facts upon which the claim is directly based.
(3) Copies of documents upon which the claim is directly based should be attached. If the claimant is claiming compensation for costs for non-judicial debt collection, the request for payment pursuant to the Debt Collection Act section 10, cf. section 12 shall be attached.
(4) If the conciliation board does not have jurisdiction over the case, the complaint shall be summarily dismissed. If the claim contains errors that can be rectified, the claimant shall first be given the opportunity to rectify them pursuant to section 16-5. A claim that is submitted to the wrong conciliation board pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 4 shall be referred to the appropriate conciliation board pursuant to section 4-7.
Section 6-4 Reply
(1) If the conciliation board proceeds with the case, the complaint shall be served on the defendant together with an order to file a reply within a time limit, which shall normally be fixed at two weeks. The reply shall be submitted orally or in writing pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12.
The conciliation board shall provide necessary guidance on the mandatory contents of the reply and the consequences of submitting a reply that is out of time or incomplete.
(2) The defendant shall state in his reply whether the claim in the complaint is accepted or contested, or whether he objects to the conciliation board dealing with the case. If the claim is contested, the reply should also briefly state the grounds for the defendant’s standpoint. Copies of important documents should be attached.
(3) If the reply is submitted out of time and there is no cause to believe that the defendant is lawfully absent pursuant to section 16-12(2), the conciliation board shall pronounce judgement in default if the conditions for doing so are fulfilled. If there is cause to believe that the defendant’s failure to respond is due to lawful absence, the conciliation board shall either fix a new time limit or summon a meeting.
(4) If the defendant in his reply has accepted the prayer for relief in the complaint, the conciliation board shall pass judgement accordingly.
Section 6-5 Notice of meeting
(1) The conciliation board shall summon the parties to a meeting to hear the case pursuant to section 13-2. The meeting should take place within three months after the complaint was submitted.
(2) The summons shall invite the parties to submit copies of any new documents to the conciliation board and the opposite party at least one week before the meeting. The parties shall be given specific notice of the one-week time limit for warning the presentation of evidence pursuant to section 6-8(4), for informing about the use of an advocate pursuant to section 6-7(5) and for an application to discontinue the proceedings pursuant to section 6-11(2).
Section 6-6 The duty of the parties to attend
(1) A party who has his ordinary venue in the municipal authority or in a neighbouring municipal authority has a duty to attend either in person or by a party representative pursuant to section 2-3 unless he is lawfully absent. A party in a case which concerns a personally run business undertaking may attend by one of his employees.
(2) A party who is not obliged to attend in person pursuant to subsection (1) may attend by counsel.
(3) The case shall be summarily dismissed if the claimant fails to attend and there is no cause to believe that he is lawfully absent. If the defendant fails to attend, the conciliation board shall pronounce judgement in default if the conditions for doing so are fulfilled. If the conditions for summary dismissal or judgement in default are not fulfilled, the case shall be adjourned to a new meeting unless the party who has attended demands that the proceedings be discontinued.
Section 6-7 Counsel and of counsel
(1) As counsel before the conciliation board the parties may use a) an advocate or authorised deputy advocate, b) a legal services provider pursuant to the Courts of Justice Act section 218 (2) nos. 1 to 3, c) a licensed debt collector who has a debt collection assignment for the case, d) a spouse or cohabitant, a relative in a direct line of ascent or descent or a sibling, e) an employee or other person affiliated to the business undertaking to which the case relates, or f) a suitable person of legal age, subject to consent from the conciliation board in each individual case.
(2) As counsel at a meeting the parties may also use a) a person of legal age who is employed by and under the professional supervision of counsel pursuant to subsection (1)(a) - (c), or b) a person on the conciliation board's panel of permanent representatives pursuant to subsection (6).
(3) The following persons cannot be engaged as counsel before the conciliation board:
a) a person who carries out work or assignments for the conciliation board, or b) a person who provides commercial or regular legal services but who does not fall within the scope of subsections (1) or (2).
(4) At a meeting of the conciliation board, the parties may be assisted by of counsel who is qualified to act as counsel before the conciliation board.
(5) If a party intends to be accompanied by an advocate as counsel, of counsel or party representative, he shall notify the opposite party and the conciliation board accordingly at least one week before the meeting. In such case, the opposite party may be accompanied by an advocate without specific notice.
(6) Each conciliation board shall maintain a panel of permanent representatives. The panel shall be appointed by the municipal authority for a period of four years at a time. The King shall issue regulations on the number of representatives, their qualifications and remuneration etc.
Section 6-8 The procedure of meetings
(1) The conciliation board shall attempt through conciliation to bring the dispute to an amicable resolution in accordance with the purpose of conciliation board proceedings pursuant to section 6-1 (1). Section 8-2 applies correspondingly. If the parties have declared that they do not want the conciliation board to pass judgement, the conciliation board may propose solutions and express views on the dispute regardless of the restrictions in section 8-2(1) third sentence.
(2) The parties shall be given the opportunity to present their views on the case and to respond to the views of the opposite party. The conciliation board shall determine whether counsel or of counsel of a party present in person shall be permitted to speak in addition to the party.
(3) Documents shall be reviewed during the course of the parties' presentation of the case. If a party presents new documentary evidence at the meeting, the opposite party shall be given the opportunity to assess and refute such material. If required, the case shall be adjourned pursuant to subsection (7).
(4) The conciliation board can permit other evidence to be presented if the evidence is deemed to be of material importance and its presentation will not unduly delay the case. The conciliation board cannot appoint experts or compel anyone to appear as witness or disclose evidence. The opposite party and the conciliation board shall receive notice at least one week before the meeting if a party wishes to present witnesses who will appear voluntarily or if it wishes evidence to be inspected by the court.
(5) Parties and witnesses shall not make an affirmation but shall be encouraged to tell the truth and shall be made aware of the liability attached to making a false statement.
(6) If the parties reach an agreement, a settlement can be entered into pursuant to the provisions of section 19-11. If the parties have previously declared that they do not want the conciliation board to pass judgement, the meeting shall close when mediation is concluded. If the conciliation board finds that there may be a basis for passing judgement pursuant to section 6-10, the conciliation board shall ask the parties whether they wish it to do so and, if so, whether they have anything further to add.
(7) The conciliation board shall seek to finalise the proceedings at the first meeting. The meeting shall only be adjourned if there is cause to believe that further meetings will lead to a conclusion of the case before the conciliation board.
Section 6-9 Public access to meetings, access to information, the court record
(1) The meetings of the conciliation board shall be public to the extent provided by the Courts of Justice Act Chapter 7. If the parties have declared that they do not want the conciliation board to pass judgement, the proceedings may take place in camera if both parties so request.
(2) The parties and the public shall be entitled to access to the documents of the conciliation board relating to the case to the extent provided in Chapter 14.
(3) The record of the meeting of the conciliation board shall contain the information stated in section 13-6.
Section 6-10 The power of the conciliation board to pass judgement
(1) The conciliation board may pass judgement with the consent of both parties.
(2) The conciliation board may pass judgement at the request of one of the parties if the case concerns an asset claim and the amount in dispute is less than NOK 125 000.
(3) In addition, the conciliation board may pass judgement at the request of the claimant if a) the conditions for passing judgement in default are fulfilled, or b) the only defence raised by the defendant in a case concerning a claim for the payment of money is inability to pay or other defence which is obviously irrelevant.
(3) The conciliation board may only pass judgement if its members agree that there is a sufficient basis for passing judgement.
Section 6-11 Discontinuation of the case
(1) After it has received the reply, the conciliation board may discontinue the conciliation proceedings if it finds it unlikely that the case is suited for conciliation board proceedings.
(2) Up until one week before the meeting, the defendant can demand that the conciliation board proceedings shall be discontinued if the case is brought before a tribunal referred to in section 62(2)(c). However, this shall not apply if the case has previously been discontinued pursuant to this provision.
(3) The case shall be discontinued following an unsuccessful attempt at conciliation if the conciliation board does not pass judgement.
(4) A party may request that the conciliation proceedings be discontinued if the meeting has not been closed within three hours. The conciliation proceedings shall be discontinued at the request of a party if the case is not concluded within three months after the complaint to the conciliation board was served. The parties can waive the right to make such a request.
(5) Where conciliation proceedings have been discontinued, the case may only be brought before the conciliation board again a) after 12 months have elapsed, b) with the prior consent of the opposite party, or c) if the proceedings before a tribunal referred to in subsection (2) have been concluded.
Section 6-12 The rulings of the conciliation board
(1) Claims that form the subject matter of the dispute shall be determined by way of judgement. All other rulings shall be made by way of decision.
(2) Outside conciliation meetings, all rulings on the proceedings of the case that can be made by a preparatory judge pursuant to section 19-2(2) shall be made by the president of the conciliation board or the secretariat of the conciliation board in accordance with regulations issued pursuant to the Courts of Justice Act section 27(6). If there is no doubt about the ruling, the president of the conciliation board may also pass judgement pursuant to section 6-4(3) and (4).
(3) If the case is disputed, grounds for the judgement shall be given. In its grounds, the conciliation board shall briefly explain what the case is about, state the parties’ prayers for relief and describe the factors which the conciliation board has taken into account in reaching its conclusion. The parties’ prayers for relief need not be stated if these are included in the minutes of the meeting that are distributed together with the judgement.
(4) Decisions that conclude the case shall state the statutory provision upon which the ruling is based.
(5) Judgement shall be pronounced within one week after the case has been closed for judgement.
Section 6-13 Costs
(1) Compensation for costs before the conciliation board shall only be granted for the following items a) the court fee, b) the travel expenses of parties who are under a statutory obligation to attend in person, c) an amount of up to one half of the court fee to cover attendance expenses for parties who are not under a statutory obligation to attend in person, and d) an amount of up to four times the court fee to cover legal assistance in the preparation of the complaint or the reply or other preparation of the case, but not exceeding an amount equivalent to the court fee if the claimant in addition claims compensation for costs incurred in non-judicial enforcement pursuant to subsection (3), and e) an amount in addition to the amounts referred to in c) and d) above equivalent to the ordinary rate of value added tax unless the legal circumstances in the cases arise principally out of a business of the party that is liable to pay value added tax.
(2) Claims for compensation for costs incurred in non-judicial enforcement (debt collection) shall not be deemed to be costs for the purposes of this section.
(3) Claims for compensation from the State pursuant to section 20-12 for errors in the proceedings before the conciliation board shall be brought before the district court.
(4) The King can issue regulations on the ordinary rates for legal assistance pursuant to subsection (1)(d).
Section 6-14 Remedies against the rulings of the conciliation board
(1) Judgements of the conciliation board may be reviewed by way of action before the district court pursuant to the provisions in Chapters 9 and 10. A writ of summons must be filed within one month. Reinstatement may be granted if the time limit is exceeded. Section 9-2(4) applies to simplified writs of summons.
(2) The following rulings only may be appealed:
a) rulings on costs, court fees or the fixing of legal fees, and b) rulings to amend a judgement beyond what is permitted by sections 19-8 or 19-9.
(3) The appeal shall be lodged with the district court, which shall make a new ruling on the merits on the issues that are subject to review. Subsection (1) fourth sentence on simplified formulation of writs of summons apply correspondingly to the notice of appeal. In all other respects, the case shall be heard pursuant to the rules on appeals against decisions to the court of appeal.
(4) A claim for reinstatement cannot be made for mistakes before the conciliation board.
(5) Judgements of the conciliation board may be reopened by application to the district court pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 31.
Chapter 7 Out-of-court mediation
Section 7-1 Agreement on out-of-court mediation
(1) The parties may, in respect of a legal dispute, agree to out-of-court mediation pursuant to this Act. The agreement shall be in writing and shall specify that the provisions on out-of-court mediation in this Act shall apply. An agreement made before a legal dispute has arisen shall not be binding on a consumer.
(2) The parties may at any time demand that the out-of-court mediation shall be adjourned.
Section 7-2 The mediator
(1) The parties may agree on who shall act as mediator or on the procedure for appointing the mediator. At the request of the parties, the district court shall appoint a mediator from the court's panel of judicial mediators. The request shall be made in writing and signed by both parties. The request shall state what the dispute is about. If the court declines to appoint a mediator, the decision may be appealed by the parties acting jointly. Section 29-3(3) does not apply.
(2) The mediator shall be impartial and independent of the parties and qualified for the task. The mediator shall on his own motion provide information about circumstances that could cast legitimate doubt on his impartiality or independence. Section 8-4(2) applies correspondingly to mediators appointed by the court.
(3) The mediator may engage an assistant with the consent of the parties. The parties may require the court to appoint the assistant, who need not be appointed from the court's panel of judicial mediators. Subsection (2) applies correspondingly to the assistant.
(4) Mediators and assistants may make their participation in out-of-court mediation conditional upon an advance payment or security for their claim for remuneration pursuant to section 7-4. The King may issue regulations with more detailed provisions on mediators and assistants appointed by the court.
Section 7-3 The procedure at mediation
(1) Parties shall participate in out-of-court mediation in person or be represented by a person authorised to enter into an amicable settlement agreement.
(2) The mediator shall adhere to the parties’ agreement concerning the procedure to be followed in the out-of-court mediation as long as this enables a proper conduct of the mediation.
(3) In the absence of agreement on the procedure to be followed, the procedure shall be determined by the mediator in consultation with the parties. Meetings with the parties may be held jointly or separately. The mediator shall act impartially and promote an amicable settlement. The mediator may present proposals for a solution to the matter and may express his views on the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ legal and factual arguments.
(4) A record shall be kept of the mediation stating who has participated. The identity of any third party who gives testimony shall be recorded. A party who makes an offer of settlement may demand that the offer be recorded.
(5) Out-of-court mediation shall be concluded by the conclusion of an amicable settlement, a declaration by the mediator that further mediation is pointless or a declaration by one or both of the parties that they do not wish further mediation. The record shall state that mediation has been closed.
(6) Section 8-6 on prohibited evidence and the duty of confidentiality following judicial mediation applies correspondingly to out-of-court mediation pursuant to this Chapter.
Section 7-4 The mediator’s remuneration
(1) The mediator and the assistant are entitled to remuneration for their work. Unless otherwise agreed, the parties are accountable for the remuneration in equal shares.
(2) The court can be required to determine the remuneration of mediators and assistants appointed by the court. The King may issue regulations with more detailed provisions on remuneration.
Chapter 8. Mediation and judicial mediation before the ordinary courts
I Amicable settlement and mediation
Section 8-1 Amicable settlement of disputes before the courts
(1) The court shall at each stage of the case consider the possibility of a full or partial amicable settlement to the legal dispute through mediation or judicial mediation, unless the nature of the case or other circumstances suggest otherwise.
(2) In proceedings before the conciliation board, this consideration shall take place through mediation pursuant to the provisions in section 6-8.
Section 8-2 Mediation
(1) Mediation takes place by the court attempting to provide a basis for an amicable settlement, either at a court hearing or through other contact with the parties. During mediation, the court shall not hold separate meetings with each party nor receive information that cannot be communicated to all parties involved. The court may not present proposals for a solution, offer advice or express points of view that could impair confidence in the impartiality of the court.
(2) If the parties reach agreement, the settlement may be concluded as an in-court settlement pursuant to section 19-11.
II Judicial mediation
Section 8-3 Judicial mediation
(1) The court may decide that judicial mediation pursuant to sections 8-4 to 8-6 shall take place instead of or in addition to mediation pursuant to section 8-2.
(2) In making its ruling, the court shall have regard to the views of the parties to judicial mediation and the likelihood of reaching a settlement or simplifying the case. The court shall also have regard to whether judicial mediation may be inappropriate due to differences in the relative strength of the parties, the costs of judicial mediation, previous attempts at mediation or other circumstances.
Judicial mediation shall only take place against the will of the parties in special circumstances.
Section 8-4 The judicial mediator
(1) The preparatory judge in the case, one of the other judges of the court or a person from the court's panel of judicial mediators may act as the judicial mediator. The court may with the consent of the parties appoint a judicial mediator who is not on the panel of judicial mediators. The court may also with the consent of the parties appoint an assistant to the judicial mediator.
(2) Judicial mediators and assistants are subject to the same requirements as to impartiality as judges. An appointment of a judicial mediator or an assistant may be appealed on the grounds of partiality.
(3) An assistant or a judicial mediator who is not a judge at the court shall be entitled to remuneration determined by the court. The remuneration shall be determined according to legal aid rates unless the court, the parties and the judicial mediator or assistant have agreed otherwise.
The King may issue regulations with more detailed provisions on remuneration.
(4) The president of the court shall draw up a panel of judicial mediators. The panel may be joint with another or several other courts. The duty to draw up a panel of judicial mediators does not apply to the Supreme Court. The members of the panel should together cover the range of expertise required for judicial mediation before the court. The judicial mediators on the panel shall have the qualifications necessary to act as judicial mediators. The King may issue regulations on the panel of judicial mediators, including qualification requirements.
Section 8-5 The proceedings in and the content of judicial mediation
(1) Judicial mediation shall take place outside court hearings. The judicial mediator shall determine the procedure to be followed in consultation with the parties. Meetings with the parties may be held jointly or separately.
(2) The parties shall attend the judicial mediation in person and may be accompanied by counsel.
(3) The judicial mediator shall act impartially and seek to clarify the parties’ interests in the dispute with a view to reaching an amicable settlement. The mediator may identify proposals for a solution and may discuss the strengths and weaknesses in the parties’ legal and factual arguments.
(4) The judicial mediator shall determine whether and to what extent evidence shall be presented at judicial mediation. Evidence shall not be presented without the consent of the parties and any third party by whom evidence or testimony is to be given.
(5) The judicial mediator shall maintain a record of mediation meetings, which shall state the name of the court, the time and place of the mediation meeting, the case number, the names of the mediator, parties and counsel, whether the parties attend in person and, if applicable, the names of representatives. The record shall state whether witnesses or experts have been examined and their identity. A party who makes an offer of settlement may demand that the offer be recorded.
The record shall form part of the case documents.
(6) If the parties reach agreement, the settlement may be concluded as an in-court settlement, which shall be recorded in the judicial mediation record. In all other respects, section 19-11(2) to (4) apply correspondingly.
Section 8-6 Prohibited evidence and duty of confidentiality
(1) The parties cannot, in the same or in another case, testify as a party or a witness about what emerged at the judicial mediation. However, they are not precluded from providing information about specific evidence that was referred to and which has not emerged on another manner, or about proposals for an amicable settlement that is recorded pursuant to section 8-5(5). In all other contexts, the parties shall refrain from disclosing matters that were conveyed to them on condition of confidentiality.
(2) Judicial mediators and other persons who fall outside the scope of subsection (1) shall maintain confidentiality about what took place during the judicial mediation. However, they may testify as to whether a written agreement is in accordance with what was agreed during the judicial mediation.
Section 8-7 Further proceedings if no agreement is reached
(1) If the case is not concluded at mediation, it shall continue to be heard before the court. The court shall, as far as possible, seek to ensure that unsuccessful judicial mediation does not cause delay in the progress of the case.
(2) A judge who has acted as judicial mediator in the case may only participate in the further hearing of the case at the request of the parties and if the judge does not consider it imprudent.
The Courts of Justice Act section 109 shall not apply in the event of a change of judge.
(Omissis)
Section 19-11 Entering into an in-court settlement
(1) In-court settlements shall be recorded in the court record.
(2) The in-court settlement shall be signed by the parties and the members of the court.
(3) The court shall ensure that the settlement states precisely what the parties have agreed, and that the settlement is not contrary to considerations of public policy that limit the parties' right of disposition in the legal action, cf. section 11-4. If the settlement is to be enforceable, the court shall ensure that a time limit for performance is fixed. Before entering into the in-court settlement, the parties shall be informed of its effect, cf. section 11-5(1).
(4) If the settlement does not include provisions on the allocation of costs, the court shall at the request of the parties determine such allocation at its discretion.
(Omissis)