erals, and 4 Social
Democrats; following them the quotas were, respectively, 87, 51, and
12.[835]

[Footnote 835: V. Pinot, Le parlementarisme
suedois, in _Revue Politique et Parlementaire_,
Sept. 10, 1912.]

IV. THE JUDICIARY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

*665. The Courts.*--In theory the judicial power in Sweden, being lodged
ultimately in the crown, is indistinguishable from the executive; in
practice, however, it is essentially independent. The constitution
regulates with some minuteness the character of the principal
tribunal, the _Hoegsta Domstolen_, or Supreme Court, but leaves the
organization of the inferior courts to be determined by the king and
the Riksdag. The Supreme Court consists of eighteen "councillors of
justice" appointed by the crown from among men of experience, honesty,
and known legal learning. The functions of the court are largely (p. 601)
appellate, but it is worthy of note that in the event that a request
is made of the king by the lower courts, or by officials, respecting
the proper interpretation of a law, the Supreme Court is authorized to
furnish such interpretation, provided the subject is a proper one for
the consideration of the courts. Cases of lesser importance may be
heard and decided in the Supreme Court by five, or even four, members,
when all are in agreement. In more important cases at least seven
judges must participate. When the king desires he may be present, and
when present he possesses two votes in all cases heard and decided.
When the question is one of legal interpretation he is entitled to two
votes, whether or not he actually attends the proceedings. All
decisions are rendered in the name of the king. The inferior tribunals
comprise 212 district courts, or courts of first instance, and three
higher courts of appeal (_hofratter_), situated at Stockholm,
Joenkoeping, and Kristianstad. In the 91 urban districts the court
consists of the burgomaster and at least two aldermen; in the 121
rural districts, of a judge and twelve elected and unpaid peasant
proprietors serving as jurymen. No person occupying judicial office
may be removed save after trial and judgment.

*666. Local Government.*--The kingdom is divided into twenty-five
administrative provinces or counties (_lan_).[836] The principal
executive official in each is a _landshoefding_, or prefect, who is
appointed by the crown and assisted by a varying number o