DANISH LAW Meaning and
Definition
-
Danish law refers to the legal system and body of laws enacted in the Kingdom of Denmark, which governs the rights, obligations, and conduct of individuals and organizations within the country's jurisdiction. Danish law encompasses a range of legal principles, statutes, and regulations that have developed over the course of Denmark's history and are enforced by the country's judicial institutions.
At its foundation, Danish law draws upon a mix of civil law principles, influenced by the Napoleonic Code, and common law traditions. Danish law is predominantly codified, meaning that it is primarily derived from written legislation and statutes passed by the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). These laws cover a wide array of areas, ranging from criminal law, civil law, administrative law, constitutional law, and commercial law, among others.
The Danish legal system is based on the concept of the rule of law, ensuring that everyone is subject to the same laws and treated fairly by the courts. The judiciary plays a vital role in Danish law, with an independent court system responsible for interpreting and applying the law in individual cases. The highest court in Denmark is the Supreme Court, which provides the final legal authority on matters of national importance.
Danish law is constantly evolving and adapting to societal changes and international standards. As a member state of the European Union, Denmark must also comply with EU law and regulations, which influence and interact with Danish law in various areas, such as trade, employment law, and competition law.
Etymology of DANISH LAW
The term "Danish law" refers to the legal system and laws in Denmark.
The word "Danish" is derived from the Old Norse word "danr", meaning "Dane", which ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "daniz". "Daniz" is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word "dʰenh₂", which means "to set, to put in order".
The word "law" comes from the Old English word "lagu" or "laȝu", which means "rule, ordinance, or legal system". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "lagam", meaning "something laid down or fixed".
So, the etymology of the term "Danish law" combines the Old Norse adjective "danr" meaning "Dane" with the Old English word "lagu" meaning "law".
