Meet the Middle Ages
BackProvincial law and country law
Every province or "landskap" had its own law during the early Middle Ages. The Chief Judge had to know the law by heart. In the 13th century, people started to take these laws down in writing. In Sweden, there were provincial laws in the provinces of Västergötland, Östergötland, Dalarna, Hälsingland, Södermanland, Uppland, Västmanland, Värmland and Närke. Småland was not one single "landskap", but subdivided into districts. The Östgöta law was applied in the region around Kalmar. Central Småland had a special law, as well as the island of Gotland, where the law was called "Gutalagen".
Around 1350, the provincial laws were replaced by one law for the entire country. It was the Country Law of Magnus Eriksson. About a year later, a law for all towns ofSweden - the Town Law of Magnus Eriksson - was passed.
Read more about these laws under "Country Life" and "Town Life".