INFLUENCE OF VIKING LAW ON ICELANDIC LAW

This research examines the influence of socalled 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 of the Rep

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aw, a high level of significance was placed on the sanctity of the oath, which as was true of a vow, was considered to be binding. Perjury was punished a fine, and by the stripping from the offender of the right to give evidence or testimony at future Things. In the instance of outlawry, or irredeemable crimes, Viking law "did not aspire to improve the moral condition of the criminal and try to make him a better man, except through the fear of punishment." Rather, the object of Viking law with respect to irredeemable crimes was "to prevent private revenge, and stop people taking matters into their own hands." Irredeemable crimes were punished by the confiscation of all property from an offender and the outlawing of the offender from society. Murder was one of the irredeemable crimes. "Men could be slain with impunity, and were irredeemable" by a free man "if they were found guilty with the following women" . . . one's wife, sister, daughter, mother, stepmother, brother's wife, or son's wife. The slaying of a lawman was also considered to be an irredeemable crime. Under Viking law, "an insane man who committed murder, though no accounted responsible for his actions, was expelled from the country." Derision was also forbidde
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1849
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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