útlögum

Útlögum is an Icelandic term that translates to "outlaw" or "exile." Historically, it referred to individuals who were declared outlaws by a legal assembly, such as the Althing. This declaration had severe consequences, stripping the individual of their legal rights and protections. An outlaw could be killed on sight by anyone, and their property was forfeit to the state or the wronged party.

The concept of útlögum played a significant role in Icelandic sagas and early Icelandic law. It was a drastic measure used to deal with serious crimes, often in the absence of the offender or as a means to enforce justice when traditional punishments were insufficient. Being declared an outlaw was often a lifelong sentence, forcing the individual to live in hiding, outside of society, and often resorting to banditry or fleeing the country.

The process of declaring someone an outlaw was formalized. It typically involved public proclamation at various legal assemblies and landmarks. The severity of being an outlaw meant that it was a punishment reserved for the most egregious offenses, such as murder, arson, or repeated acts of violence. The legal framework surrounding útlögum reflects a society grappling with maintaining order and administering justice in a challenging environment.