Lagting

Lagting. The Lagting is one of the two constituent divisions of the Storting, the supreme legislature of Norway. Established by the Constitution of Norway in 1814, it historically served as the upper house within a modified bicameral system. Following significant constitutional reforms in 2009, its role was transformed, and it now functions primarily as a committee for detailed legislative review and constitutional matters, while the full Storting retains ultimate legislative authority.

History

The institution was created alongside the Storting during the pivotal year of 1814, which also saw the signing of the Constitution of Norway at Eidsvoll and the subsequent Swedish–Norwegian War. Its design was influenced by historical assemblies and contemporary European parliamentary models, including the British Parliament. For much of its existence, it operated alongside the Odelsting under a unique system where the full Storting would divide after elections to consider legislation. This arrangement was a defining feature of Norwegian parliamentary procedure until the 21st century. Major constitutional reviews, particularly those following World War II and leading to the 2009 Norwegian parliamentary reform, critically examined its utility, culminating in the abolition of the Odelsting and the reform of its own functions.

Composition and election

Members are not directly elected but are selected from within the newly elected Storting at the commencement of each parliamentary term. Following a general election, all 169 representatives of the Storting divide themselves into two groups: one comprising 38 members and the other, the remaining 131 members forming the full chamber. The division is based on proportional representation of the political parties, ensuring the composition reflects the election results. Key parties such as the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, and the Centre Party are represented according to their strength in the Storting. The President and Vice-President are elected by its members from among themselves.

Functions and powers

Its primary contemporary function is to serve as a preparatory committee for constitutional revisions and impeachment cases. According to the Constitution of Norway, any proposal to amend the constitution must first be reviewed and debated here before being presented to the full Storting. It also acts as the prosecutorial body in impeachment proceedings against members of the Government, the Supreme Court, or the Storting, a power rooted in historical checks and balances. While it can scrutinize and debate certain types of legislation referred by the Storting, its decisions are not final; all bills are ultimately decided by the Storting in plenary session, marking a significant shift from its earlier quasi-bicameral authority.

Relationship with other parliamentary bodies

It exists in a subordinate relationship to the plenary Storting, which holds supreme legislative power. The constitutional reform of 2009, passed by the Storting, fundamentally altered this dynamic by dissolving the co-equal Odelsting and redefining its role. It now interacts primarily with specialized standing committees of the Storting, such as the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs, which handle detailed legislative examination. Its opinions on constitutional matters are advisory to the full parliament. This structure differs markedly from other Nordic systems, such as the fully bicameral Riksdag of Sweden (before 1970) or the unicameral Folketing of Denmark.

See also

* Storting * Odelsting * Constitution of Norway * Parliament of Norway * 2009 Norwegian parliamentary reform

Category:National upper houses Category:Government of Norway Category:Parliament of Norway