There is an established scientific ethics committee system in Denmark, with seven regional scientific ethics committees and a Central Scientific Ethical Committee. The purpose of the law is to lay down the legal framework for the scientific ethical evaluation of biomedical research projects. The system of ethical review is regulated by the Act on a Scientific Ethics Committee System and the Processing of Biomedical Research Projects. The Central Scientific Ethical Committee may lay down regulations for the practical organization of the scientific and ethical assessment of projects being carried out at more than one research institution. Research ethics committees (RECs) can reject or advise against activities that are lawful if they judge they are unethical. Unlawful activities will never be approved. The REC must pay attention to the law and all the members at the secretariat have a degree within law.