Utvecklingen av det allmännas skadeståndsansvar för överträdelser av grundläggande mänskliga rättigheter – från praxis till lag och framåt

Sammanfattning: This thesis discusses the development of the state’s liability for non-pecuniary damages caused by violations of the basic human rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The thesis identifies and critically discusses differences and similarities between the Supreme Court’s case law and the provision 3:4 in the Swedish Tort Law (skadeståndslagen 1972:207), which regulates the state’s liability for violations of the ECHR since the 1st of April 2018. Furthermore, the thesis discusses whether the Supreme Court’s active role in the expansion of the state’s liability raises any issues from a democracy perspective. In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s active role is deemed not entirely compatible with the principle of popular sovereignty. However, the thesis asserts that the influence of the European Union and the ECHR has changed the societal role of the courts. Finally, the thesis discusses how the continued development of the state’s liability for basic human rights might take form. Specifically, the thesis examines the implications of a liability for violations of the basic rights protected by the Swedish constitution (2 kap RF). In conclusion, the absence of guiding case law means that a number of questions would need to be examined, but it also means that the policy discussion can be held more freely.