Norwegian Law of Succession
Encyclopedia
The Norwegian Law of Succession was introduced in 1163. The law was an accord between Erling Skakke
and Archbishop Øystein, whereby Erling's son Magnus Erlingsson
inherited the throne, in exchange for greater power to the church. Magnus had to promise to obey the pope, while church law was recognised on an equal level with secular laws.
According to the law, there should be only one king, with primogeniture
as a rule. If the oldest son was not fit to be king, a council of 60 peasant representatives should select another of the legitimate royal sons. After this they could choose between another of the royal heirs. If the king had no suitable heir, the council could choose whoever they thought would better "guard God's right and the laws of the land". If the peasant representatives could not agree, the bishops should decide the election.
Erling Skakke
Erling Skakke was a Norwegian Jarl during the 12th century. He was the father of Magnus V, who reigned as King of Norway from 1161 to 1184....
and Archbishop Øystein, whereby Erling's son Magnus Erlingsson
Magnus V of Norway
Magnus V Erlingsson was a King of Norway during the Civil war era in Norway.-Biography:Magnus Erlingsson was probably born in Etne in Hordaland. He was the son of Erling Skakke. His father was a Norwegian nobleman who earned his reputation crusading with Rögnvald Kali Kolsson, the Earl of Orkney...
inherited the throne, in exchange for greater power to the church. Magnus had to promise to obey the pope, while church law was recognised on an equal level with secular laws.
According to the law, there should be only one king, with primogeniture
Primogeniture
Primogeniture is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn to inherit the entire estate, to the exclusion of younger siblings . Historically, the term implied male primogeniture, to the exclusion of females...
as a rule. If the oldest son was not fit to be king, a council of 60 peasant representatives should select another of the legitimate royal sons. After this they could choose between another of the royal heirs. If the king had no suitable heir, the council could choose whoever they thought would better "guard God's right and the laws of the land". If the peasant representatives could not agree, the bishops should decide the election.
See also
- Line of succession to the Norwegian ThroneLine of succession to the Norwegian ThroneSince 1990, absolute primogeniture has been applied in Norway. Crown Prince Haakon Magnus is currently the heir apparent.-Law of succession:In 1990 the Norwegian constitution was altered, granting absolute primogeniture to the Norwegian throne, meaning that the eldest child, regardless of gender,...