Influence of Viking Law on Icelandic Law & Culture

This research examines the influence of so-called Viking law, or the law of the early peoples of Scandinavia, on the law, culture, and society of Iceland. The law of the early peoples of Scandinavia was essentially Norse law. With respect to Iceland, this examination covers the period from 874 when Iceland was first settled to 1262 when the independent Republic established on Iceland came to an end. With respect to Viking law, earlier events are addressed in order to described the development and status of Viking law at the time the creation of legal structure for Iceland began.

The findings of this examination begin with a review of Viking law. Both the development and the principal characteristics of boy of law are addressed. This review of Viking law is followed by a consideration of the establishment of a legal structure in Iceland. Motivations for the establishment of law in Iceland are addressed along with the processes of the establishment of law in the country. The structure of the initial legal system in Iceland is described, as is the evolution of this structure from its inception through 1262. Effects of the establishment of law and the evolution of this body of law on Icelandic culture and society are also discussed in the context of the influence of Viking law on Icelandic law. An assessment of Icelandic law as that law existed in the country from 930 through the end

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dar retained supreme power in the judicial area. The Althing, under the leadership of Skapti Thoroddsson, established a Fifth Court on 1005. The Fifth Court was comprises of 48 jurymen, and each of the 48 godar appointed one juryman to the Fifth Court. The establishment of the Fifth Court was the last significant change to the Icelandic Constitution before the republic ended in 1262. From the time before the introduction of law into Iceland to 1262, the godar dominated Icelandic society. Subsequent to 1005, the godar chose the Lawspeaker, appointed the members of the Law-righter, appointed to jurymen to the Quarter Courts and the Fifth Court, and derived wealth, land, and power from their religious positions in their home districts. Within each Quarter, there were three Thing districts in the East, West, and South, and four Thing districts in the North. After a few years, and additional Thing district was added in the East, West, and South Quarters. Actions taken in the Quarter Things could be appealed to the Althing. Consideration of an appeal by the Althing meant in the later years of the Republic (subsequent to 1005) that representatives from all four Quarters reviewed the actions taken in one Qua
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Throughout Norse, Iceland Philosophical, Scandinavia Iceland, Icelandic Constitution, Christian Bible, Republic Iceland, Norway Hakon, Iceland Althing, Summary Conclusion, CULTURE Introduction, viking law, political philosophy, norse freemen, viking society, 36 godar, settlers iceland, traditional viking, fifth court, norse realm, legal structure, traditional viking law, hands 36 godar, law peoples scandinavia, country established iceland, legal system iceland,
Approximate Word count = 4559
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page)

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