actions on the part of the other two powers in the: State, when they contravene the law. The ordinary tribunals are the Hoiesterett (Supreme Court), the Appeal Committee of the Supreme Court (for criminal cases»; the Lagmann courts (jury courts for criminal cases) and the Overrettene (Superior Courts) for civil cases; Byrettene (Town Stipendiary Courts) and Her- redsrettene (District Stipendiary Courts) for both civil and criminal cases; Conciliation Courts (civil cases); and a number of special courts, e.g., fisheries courts, the military penal courts, and consular courts abroad. Civil actions are first dealt with by the Conci- liation Courts, of which there is one in each town and magisterial district. This court consists of three mediators elected by the town or district council. The court endeavours to mediate between the parties, and under certain conditions (e.g., agreement between the parties, default of appear- ance by the defendant) may give judgment in cases involving a sum not exceeding 500 Kroner, and in actions for debt not exceeding 5000 Kroner. From the Conciliation Court unsettled actions are referred to, and for adjudicated actions an appeal lies to, the town or district Stipendiary Court presided over by a legally qualified judge, who, after oral proceedings, gives judgment alone or jointly with two lay judges or two experts who are usually empanelled by a lay-judge com- mittee. 27