laguþing

The laguþing was a legislative assembly in medieval Iceland. It was the primary governing body of Iceland during the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth, which lasted from its settlement in the late 9th century until the mid-13th century. The laguþing was held annually, typically in June, at the Alþingi, a plain located at Þingvellir.

The assembly was composed of all free landowning men in Iceland. While all were technically permitted to attend, in practice, the most influential members were chieftains, known as goðar, and their advisors. The laguþing's main function was to legislate, meaning it made new laws and amended existing ones. It also served as a court of law, resolving disputes and hearing criminal cases. The laws of the land were recited from memory by a lawspeaker, known as the lögsögumaður, at the beginning of each session.

The proceedings of the laguþing were structured and formal. Important decisions were often made through consensus-building and debate. The assembly's rulings were binding and enforced throughout the Commonwealth. The laguþing played a crucial role in maintaining the unique political and social order of medieval Iceland, contributing to its relatively stable and democratic governance for its time. Its dissolution marked the end of the Icelandic Commonwealth and the beginning of Norwegian rule.