Laura Ervo,

Doctor of Law, Professor at Örebro University

The article provides a brief review of the relationship between religious and legal institutions, the influence of the Lutheran Church on civil procedural law, examines the impact of religion on alternative forms of dispute resolution, institute of immunity, the principle of the independence and impartiality of the court. Public life in Finland and Sweden all less becomes religious, especially with regard to the situation in Sweden. Religion is a private matter and does not play a significant role in public life. Public institutions: the courts, schools, etc., should be neutral to religious beliefs, because you have to follow the rule of freedom of religion, but public life in these countries is based on the Christian traditions and Christian ethics, and, of course, these historical conditions cannot be ignored. In the Nordic countries, people usually do not mix the religious aspects and the resolution of legal disputes, at least, such is the case with the followers of the major religions. However, in family disputes was mediation involving religious leaders. 

Keywords: Lutheran Church; civil process in Sweden; civil process in Finland; alternative forms of dispute resolution; testimonial immunity; the independence and impartiality of the court.