Democracy and Lawlessness: The Penitentiary Laws and Civil Disobedience in Norway 1928-1931

The book addresses efforts to politically influence and curb the judicial system, by telling the story of the enactment of controversial laws in Norway in 1927. It draws parallels to current challenges to the autonomy of the legal order, both in countries where populist forces seek control over the courts, and in other countries where increasing levels of conflict, such as around the climate crisis and the pandemic, challenge the rule of law.

In 1927 the Norwegian Parliament enacted three l...