The Danish constitutional charter of 29 July 1282

In 1282, the kingdom of Denmark received its first constitutional charter. The charter laid down the boundaries of the king’s power, and established the governmental role for the ‘best men’ in the kingdom: i.e., the most prominent members of the elite, secular as well as ecclesiastical. The charter was the culmination of a long period of political conflicts between the king’s and the magnates, about the king’s right to legislate, judge and levy taxes and dues. In the charter, the king promised to rule together with the parliament, and that their consent was needed to new legislation, taxes and dues. The freedom of the church was secured, and a number of legal guaranties were given, for instance against arbitrary
imprisonment and sentences.

Keywords: Denmark, Parliament, Erik V, Lèse-majesté, Thirteenth century, Constitution charter, Taxes, Legal guaranties