Page "Icelandic Commonwealth" Paragraph 6

Knowledge about the system of governance in medieval Iceland stems mainly from two main primary sources: the written law code, and Íslendingabók, or The Book of the Icelanders by Ari the Learned.

The impact of the legislative and judicial systems on Icelandic settlers is a common theme in many of the other Icelandic sagas.

Works such as Njál ’ s Saga and the Laxdæla Saga give many details, but their accuracy has been disputed.

Eyrbyggja Saga details the transition of paganism to Christianity within Icelandic settlement under the direction of Snorri Goði, or “ Snorri the Priest .” The emphasis on justice and the conviction in their system of governance is reflected within the saga: “ They say we ’ ll suffer setbacks in court ; we must plead for support from powerful chieftains: but Arnkel will argue an eloquent case, he ’ ll sway judge and jury-I have faith in justice .” However, court decisions were often displaced by personal and violent acts of vengeance as a matter of duty and honor.

The sagas also reveal how most cases were settled by arbitration rather than formal court verdicts.