grunnlover

Grunnlover is a Norwegian term describing fundamental or foundational laws that form the basis of a state's constitutional order. In political science and law, grunnlover are higher-status norms that establish the structure of government, protect basic rights, and regulate how political power is exercised and constrained. They are typically harder to change than ordinary laws, reflecting their central role in ensuring stability and the rule of law.

In Norway the principal grunnlov is Grunnloven, the constitution adopted at Eidsvoll in 1814 and later amended. The concept of grunnlover is also used in reference to other fundamental legal acts or to describe the constitutional order in Norway more broadly. A characteristic feature of grunnlover in many jurisdictions is a special amendment process: changes to the grundlov usually require passage in two successive sittings of the legislature with a general election between them, rather than simple majority in a single term.

Across countries, grunnlover share the function of elevating certain rules above ordinary statutes. They typically enshrine the organization of government, fundamental rights, and the procedures by which the constitution can be altered. In comparative terms, similar concepts exist under terms such as 'basic law' or 'Grundgesetz' in Germany, which likewise denote supreme or foundational legal norms.

See also: Constitutional law; Norwegian Constitution; Fundamental rights; Separation of powers.