In 1981 the Swedish Supreme Court stated that Sami land rights are based on the longtime use of land and that these rights are to be regarded as property protected by the Swedish constitution. It is thereby elucidated within the Swedish legal framework that Sami land rights are private property rights. This was also confirmed through an amendment in the Reindeer Herding Act in 1993. However, Sami land rights are primarily interpreted and protected through other land use statutes. It has been concluded that Sami land rights have not been implemented properly in the Forestry Act, which regulates forestry management. nstead, reindeer herding is primarily regarded as a public interest that needs to be considered when logging is planned and executed. In the balancing with timber production as another public interest, reindeer herding is considered as less important and must yield. Consequently, severe damages are accepted on the grazing lands without the consent of the Sami or financial compensation being payed. It has been concluded that the regulation does not comply with the constitutional protection of property. Several public inquiries have proposed changes in the Forestry Act to better reflect Sami land rights. However, no amendments have been enacted, due to strong opposing interests. This political failure to implement Sami land rights will most likely result in juridical proceedings where Sami argue that Sami land rights are not protected in compliance with constitutional requirements. The article discusses legal aspects that should be considered when courts evaluates the implementation of Sami land rights.