The prosecuting authority

The upper-most prosecution authority in Norway is the King in Council, followed by the Higher Prosecution Authority (the Director General), the public prosecutors and the police. The prosecution authority investigates criminal offences and decides whether or not to initiate an indictment. The prosecution authority may also settle cases by dismissing the case, transferring the case to the Norwegian Mediation Service, dropping the charges conditionally or by issuing a fine. For minor traffic and Duty Act offences, the police and the customs authority may issue on the spot fines.