The main role of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights is to supervise the justice system and maintain law and order, guaranteeing citizens' security under the law and public safety in society at large. The ministry also defends citizens' fundamental rights in the field of human rights, civil rights and family law.
 
In its general policymaking and through the formulation of legal provisions, the ministry aims to earn confidence for dependable, just and efficient control of the public services for which it is responsible under the Icelandic Government Ministries Act.