Justices

History

The Supreme Court Building

Summary of Recent Supreme Court Decisions

In 1895 the Storting voted sums to begin work on the Courthouse which was to house all three court instances: the City Court, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. An architectural contest was announced, and the results were presented in March 1896. Twenty-three suggestions were submitted, and three prizes were awarded. But one suggestion was submitted some time after the deadline. This was Architect Hans Jakob Sparre's plan which was clearly the best and was actually favoured to the three prize winners.

Thus, the building was erected according to Sparres plans. The building distinguished itself both exterior wise and interior wise as dignified and, above all, as monumental.

The lot, which was very long and narrow, was an architectural challenge which Sparre mastered elegantly. He placed the first instance, the City Court, on the first floor, with a separate entrance from Grubbegaten. He placed the largest courtroom on the second floor, with an impressive entrance (from Apotekergaten) by way of a large vestibule and a stairway hall leading directly up to it. This became the jury courtroom of the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court was on the third floor, and its courtroom had both elegant ceiling lighting and windows overlooking Akersgaten, with its own means of access (from Akersgaten) by way of a sidedoor and a staircase leading up to the third floor.

Architect Sparre was responsible for all drawings, including doors, windows, oak panels, decorations, brass chandeliers and furniture. Much of this has been saved and is still in use today.

The renovation

In the beginning of 1994 Oslo City Court and what was then called Eidsivating (now Borgarting) Court of Appeals moved from the Courthouse and into the new Oslo Courthouse. The old building was then placed at the disposal of the Supreme Court.

It was decided that both the interior and exterior of the building was to be restored and renovated.  Furthermore, technical facilities were installed in accordance to modern functional and environmental demands. The pavement in Apotekergaten was also extended, and the street was renamed Supreme Court Square.

The restoration work was completed in the summer of 1996, and Norway's Supreme Court could for the first time in history move into its own building. The costs of the restoration amounted to 112 million NOK. This included building operations, furniture, other fixtures and equipment, as well as work done on the exterior parts of the property.