Lagbók

Lagbók, literally "law book" in Icelandic, is a term used for a codified collection of statutes and legal rules governing a jurisdiction. A lagbók is intended as an authoritative, organized reference for judges, lawyers, and the public. It may be an official code published by the government or a traditional compilation that records enacted law and, in some systems, customary rules.

Contents and organization typically vary, but a lagbók generally arranges statutes by subject area—such as civil, criminal, administrative, and procedural law—and includes the texts of laws, amendments, and transitional provisions. Modern lagbókar are usually maintained or published by a government ministry, a legislative body, or a supreme or constitutional court, and are kept up to date through formal amendments and codification.

Role and hierarchy: In many legal systems, the lagbók serves as a primary source of law, with constitutional provisions and other higher norms taking precedence over more detailed statutory rules. Annotations, cross-references, and indexes are common features to aid interpretation and apply the law consistently.

Etymology: The term combines lag "law" and bók "book" in Icelandic. The practice of codifying laws in lagbókar has historical significance in the development of systematic law, reflecting moves from customary to codified legal frameworks.