Open-air trial

Viking disputes would be settled at assemblies known as Things

The memory man With no written laws, past laws and decisions would be memorised by a law-sayer, who would advise the chieftain and the jury as well as be part of the final decision. For and against Witnesses would be able to speak on behalf of or against the accused but sometimes only got involved for personal gain or to settle an old score. They would swear on a bloodied ring. In the dock With no laws against ‘the state’ as such, most trials were brought by one individual against another or their family regarding property, honour, or the breaking of an arrangement or oath. Voice of the people The size of the jury would vary depending on the seriousness of the crime, with 12, 24 or 36 men. All had to be free men and at least 12 years old. The gathering Viking trials were often held in a convenient or well-known place, such as a field or a prominent mound that was easily found by those travelling from all over the region. Wealth and power The chief, who was often elected and from one of the community’s wealthier families, would preside over the trial. Unfortunately, chiefs were not above being bribed or passing judgements in their own self-interest.