Legal Definitions - lex Danorum

Definition: Lex Danorum (pronounced leks dan-or-uhm) is also known as Danelaw. It is a system of rules that was introduced by the Danes during their invasions of England in the ninth century. It was mainly maintained in the midland and eastern counties where the invasions occurred. The counties in England where the Danish law was enforced primarily in the ninth and tenth centuries are also referred to as Danelaw.

Examples: The Danish invasions of the ninth century subjected the eastern parts of the island to new Scandinavian influences. Where the Danes conquered, their ‘Danelaw’ prevailed. The very word ‘law’ is believed to have been given to the English language by the Danes.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Danes introduced their own system of rules and laws in the areas they conquered. This system of laws was known as Danelaw or Lex Danorum. The example also shows how the Danish influence on the English language is still present today, as the word ‘law’ is believed to have been given to the English language by the Danes.