Gulathing’s law

The Gulathing's law was a significant legal code in medieval Norway, originating from the Gulathing, a popular assembly of freemen. These assemblies, known as things, were the fundamental units of government and law in medieval Scandinavia. They legislated, elected officials, and settled legal matters.12

The Gulathing's law, written in the 11th century, was one of the earliest recorded provincial customary laws in Scandinavia. It covered various aspects of law, including private, constitutional, administrative, and criminal matters, though ecclesiastical law was typically handled separately. While early laws regulated blood feuds, later codes, influenced by Christianity, began to abolish private vengeance and introduce provisions for the vulnerable. In 1380, Norway united with Denmark, but retained its separate laws until comprehensive codes were enacted in 1687.2