SPECIAL EVENTS
National Library of Norway
King Magnus the Law Mender’s National Law, 1274 – 2024
August 29
The Special Events Committee has the pleasure of inviting Forum members to a guided tour at the National Library with emphasis on the 750th anniversary of King Magnus Lagabøte’s National Law.
In 1274, King Magnus VI (1238 – 1280) compiled and amended the existing but fragmented and largely oral and sometimes regional legal framework into a unified code of law. This work earned him the epithet of ‘Law Mender’. Through his work on the laws, Magnus VI established himself as a ruler of substantial international and historic significance.
The story of Magnus the Law Mender’s National Law is also an account of the emergence of a Norwegian state and a Norwegian identity.
By codifying and enforcing the Law, Magnus established a new Norway. The law was influenced by Christian culture and European philosophy and was the cornerstone on which modern Norwegian society was built.
Magnus’ code introduced the concept that crime is an offense against the state rather than against the individual and thus narrowed the possibilities of personal vengeance. It increased the formal power of the king, making the throne the source of justice.
The law was a clear demonstration of royal power. It gave the king the right to tax, fine and punish, but also to protect the more vulnerable members of society.
The National Law was the first code of law to apply to the entire Kingdom. During the Middle Ages, only Sicily and Castilla had adopted national laws. In effect until 1687, King Magnus’ code of law shaped the lives of people for more than four hundred years.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 29 at 13:45 (for 14:00)
PLACE: National Library, Henrik Ibsens Gate 110, Solli Plass, Oslo
SIGN UP: Mona Bækkelund Reinboth by email:
mona.reinboth@gmail.com no later than August 22.
Please supply your mobile number when signing up.
PRICE: This event is free of charge.
TRANSPORT: T-Bane to Nationaltheatret (then a 15-minute walk to Solli
plass), or trams 12 and 13 or bus 31 directly to Solli plass.
Maximum number of participants: 20.
Members will have priority.
Guests are welcome if space available.
For last-minute cancellations and questions please contact Mona B. Reinboth, email: mona.reinboth@gmail.com or by mob.: 948 82 895