viðskeyttinum
vÍðskeyttinum is an Icelandic term that refers to a group of lay judges, traditionally known as a *virðingsurða* or "jury of accompanying persons", who assist in criminal and civil legal proceedings. The practice dates back to the medieval *þing* assemblies, where local community members would convene to resolve disputes and punish offenses. Over time, mötækliþingið evolved into a more formalized system, with selected individuals serving in a quasi-judicial capacity to ensure local knowledge and communal standards were reflected in verdicts.
In contemporary Iceland, the viðskeyttinum typically operates within the district courts (sýslulögreglur). A case is referred
Legal scholars note that the Icelandic jury system is unique in its combination of professional adjudication