Adopted on: ۱۷ May ۱۸۱۴
Adopted by the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll
Official Title: The Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway
[Section] A. Form of government and religion
Article ۱ [Integrity of the Kingdom]
The Kingdom of Norway is a free٫ independent٫ indivisible and inalienable
Realm. Its form of government is a limited and hereditary monarchy.
Article ۲ [Religion٫ State Religion]
(۱) All inhabitants of the Realm shall have the right to free exercise of their
religion.
(۲) The Evangelical-Lutheran religion shall remain the official religion of the
State. The inhabitants professing it are bound to bring up their children in
the same.
[Section] B. The execccutive Power٫ the King and the Royal Family
Article ۳ [execccutive Power]
The execccutive Power is vested in the King٫ or in the Queen if she has
succeeded to the Crown pursuant to the provisions of Article ۶ or Article ۷ or
Article ۴۸ of this Constitution. When the execccutive Power is thus vested in
the Queen٫ she has all the rights and obligations which pursuant to this
Constitution and the Law of the Land are possessed by the King.
Article ۴ [Religion of the King]
The King shall at all times profess the Evangelical-Lutheran religion٫ and
uphold and protect the same.
Article ۵ [Immunity of the King]
The King''s person is sacred; he cannot be censured or accused. The
responsibility rests with his Council.
Article ۶ [Succession]
(۱) The order of succession is lineal٫ so that only a child born in lawful
wedlock of the Queen or King٫ or of one who is herself or himself entitled to
the succession may succeed٫ and so that the nearest line shall take precedence
over the more remote and the elder in the line over the younger.
(۲) An unborn child shall also be included among those entitled to the
succession and shall immediately take her or his proper place in the line of
succession as soon as she or he is born into the world.
(۳) The right of succession shall not٫ however٫ belong to any person who is not
born in the direct line of descent from the last reigning Queen or King or a
sister or brother thereof٫ or is herself or himself a sister or brother
thereof.
(۴) When a Princess or Prince entitled to succeed to the Crown of Norway is
born٫ her or his name and time of birth shall be notified to the first
Parliament [Storting] in session and be entered in the record of its
proceedings.
(۵) For those born before the year ۱۹۷۱٫ Article ۶ of the Constitution as it
was passed on ۱۸ November ۱۹۰۵ shall٫ however٫ apply. For those born before the
year ۱۹۹۰ it shall nevertheless be the case that a male shall take precedence
over a female.
Article ۷ [Successor]
If there is no Princess or Prince entitled to the succession٫ the King may
propose his successor to the Parliament [Storting]٫ which has the right to make
the choice if the King''s proposal is not accepted.
Article ۸ [Majority Age of the King]
(۱) The age of majority of the King shall be laid down by law.
(۲) As soon as the King has attained the age prescribed by law٫ he shall make a
public declaration that he is of age.
Article ۹ [Oath of the King]
(۱) As soon as the King٫ being of age٫ accedes to the government٫ he shall take
the following oath before the Parliament [Storting]:
"I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Norway in accordance
with its Constitution and Laws; so help me God٫ the Almighty and
Omniscient."
(۲) If the Parliament [Storting] is not in session at the time٫ the oath shall
be made in writing in the Council of State and be repeated solemnly by the King
at the first subsequent Parliament [Storting].
Article ۱۰ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۱۱ [Residence of the King]
(۱) The King shall reside in the Realm and may not٫ without the consent of the
Parliament [Storting]٫ remain outside the Realm for more than six months at a
time٫ otherwise he shall have forfeited٫ for his person٫ the right to the
Crown.
(۲) The King may not accept any other crown or government without the consent
of the Parliament [Storting]٫ for which two thirds of the votes are required.
Article ۱۲ [Council of State]
(۱) The King himself chooses a Council from among Norwegian citizens who are
entitled to vote. This Council shall consist of a Prime Minister and at least
seven other Members.
(۲) More than half the number of the Members of the Council of State shall
profess the official religion of the State.
(۳) The King apportions the business among the Members of the Council of State٫
as he deems appropriate. Under extraordinary circumstances٫besides the ordinary
Members of the Council of State٫ the King may summon other Norwegian citizens٫
although no Members of the Parliament [Storting]٫ to take a seat in the Council
of State.
(۴) Husband and wife٫ parent and child or two siblings may never sit at the
same time in the Council of State.
Article ۱۳ [Administration by the Council of State]
(۱) During his travels within the Realm٫ the King may delegate the
administration of the Realm to the Council of State. The Council of State shall
conduct the government in the King''s name and on his behalf. It shall
scrupulously observe the provisions of this Constitution٫ as well as such
particular directives in conformity therewith as the King may instruct.
(۲) The matters of business shall be decided by voting٫ where in the event of
the votes being equal٫ the Prime Minister٫ or in his absence the
highest-ranking Member of the Council of State
who is present٫ shall have two votes.
(۳) The Council of State shall make a report to the King on matters of business
which it thus decides.
Article ۱۴ [State Secretaries]
The King may appoint State Secretaries to assist Members of the Council of
State with their duties outside the Council of State. Each State Secretary
shall act on behalf of the Member of the Council of State to whom he is
attached to the extent determined by that Member.
Article ۱۵ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۱۶ [Public Worship]
The King ordains all public church services and public worship٫ all meetings
and assemblies dealing with religious matters٫ and ensures that public teachers
of religion follow the norms prescribed for them.
Article ۱۷ [Ordinances of the King]
The King may issue and repeal ordinances relating to commerce٫ customs tariffs٫
all economic sectors and the police; although these must not conflict with
the Constitution or with the laws passed by the Parliament [Storting] (as
hereinafter prescribed in Articles ۷۷٫ ۷۸ and ۷۹). They shall remain in force
provisionally until the next Parliament [Storting].
Article ۱۸ [Collection of Taxes and Duties]
As a general rule the King shall provide for the collection of the taxes and
duties imposed by the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۱۹ [Administration of State Property]
The King shall ensure that the properties and prerogatives of the State are
utilized and administered in the manner determined by the Parliament [Storting]
and in the best interests of the general public.
Article ۲۰ [Right to Pardon]
(۱) The King shall have the right in the Council of State to pardon criminals
after sentence has been passed. The criminal shall have the choice of accepting
the King''s pardon or submitting to the penalty imposed.
(۲) In proceedings which the General Chamber [Odelsting] causes to be brought
before the Court of Impeachment٫ no pardon other than deliverance from the
death penalty may be granted.
Article ۲۱ [Appointment of Officials]
The King shall choose and appoint٫ after consultation with his Council of
State٫ all senior civil٫ ecclesiastical and military officials. Before the
appointment is made٫ such officials shall swear or٫ if by law exempted from
taking the oath٫ solemnly declare obedience and allegiance to the Constitution
and the King٫ although senior officials who are not Norwegian nationals may by
law be exempted from this duty. The Royal Princes must not hold senior civil
offices.
Article ۲۲ [Dismissing Members of the Council of State]
(۱) The Prime Minister and the other Members of the Council of State٫ together
with the State Secretaries٫ may be dismissed by the King without any prior
court judgment٫ after he has heard the opinion of the Council of State on the
subject. The same applies to senior officials employed in government offices or
in the diplomatic or consular service٫ to the highest-ranking civil and
ecclesiastical officials٫ commanders of regiments and other military
formations٫ commandants of forts and officers commanding warships. Whether
pensions should be granted to senior officials thus dismissed shall be
determined by the next
Parliament [Storting]. In the interval they shall receive two thirds of their
previous pay.
(۲) Other senior officials may only be suspended by the King٫ and must then
without delay be charrrged before the Courts٫ but they may not٫ except by
court judgment٫ be dismissed nor٫ against their will٫ transferred.
(۳) All senior officials may٫ without a prior court judgment٫ be discharrrged
from office upon attaining the statutory age limit.
Article ۲۳ [Rewards]
(۱) The King may bestow orders upon whomever he pleases٫ as a reward for
distinguished services٫ and such orders must be publicly announced٫ but no rank
or title other than that attached to any office. The order exempts no one from
the common duties and burdens of citizens٫ nor does it carry with it any
preferential admission to senior official posts in the State. Senior officials
honourably discharrrged from office retain the title and rank of their office.
This does not apply٫ however٫ to Members of the Council of State or the State
Secretaries.
(۲) No personal٫ or mixed٫ hereditary privileges may henceforth be granted to
anyone.
Article ۲۴ [Royal Household]
The King chooses and dismisses٫ at his own discretion٫ his Royal Household and
Court Officials.
Article ۲۵ [Commander-in-Chief]
(۱) The King is Commander-in-Chief of the land and naval forces of the Realm.
These forces may not be increased or reduced without the consent of the
Parliament [Storting]. They may not be transferred to the service of foreign
powers٫ nor may the military forces of any foreign power٫ except auxiliary
forces assisting against hostile attack٫ be brought into the Realm without the
consent of the Parliament [Storting].
(۲) The territorial army and the other troops which cannot be classed as troops
of the line must never٫ without the consent of the Parliament [Storting]٫ be
employed outside the borders of the Realm.
Article ۲۶ [Declarations and Treaties]
(۱) The King has the right to call up troops٫ to engage in hostilities in
defence of the Realm and to make peace٫ to conclude and denounce conventions٫
to send and to receive diplomatic envoys.
(۲) Treaties on matters of special importance٫ and٫ in all cases٫ treaties
whose implementation٫ according to the Constitution٫ necessitates a new law or
a decision by the Parliament [Storting]٫ are not binding until the Parliament
[Storting] has given its consent thereto.
Article ۲۷ [Quorum and Attendance of the Council of State]
(۱) All Members of the Council of State shall٫ unless lawfully absent٫ attend
the Council of State and no decision may be adopted there unless more than half
the number of members are present.
(۲) A Member of the Council of State who does not profess the official religion
of the State shall not take part in proceedings on matters which concern the
State Church.
Article ۲۸ [Proposals for Official Posts]
Proposals regarding appointments to senior official posts and other matters of
importance shall be presented in the Council of State by the Member under whose
department they come٫ and such matters shall be dealt with by him in accordance
with the decision adopted in the Council of State. However٫ matters strictly
relating to military command may٫ to the extent determined by the King٫ be
excepted from proceedings in the Council of State.
Article ۲۹ [Delegation of Ministerial Duties]
(۱) If a Member of the Council of State is lawfully prevented from attending
the meeting and from presenting the matters coming under his department٫ these
may be presented by another member temporarily appointed by the King for the
purpose.
(۲) If so many Members are lawfully prevented from attending that not more than
half of the stipulated number are present٫ the requisite number of other men or
women shall be temporarily appointed to take a seat in the Council of State.
Article ۳۰ [Minutes٫ "Duty" to Speak Up and Remonstrate]
(۱) All the proceedings of the Council of State shall be entered in its
records. Diplomatic matters which the Council of State decides to keep secret
shall be entered in a special record. The same applies to military command
matters which the Council of State decides to keep secret.
(۲) Everyone who has a seat in the Council of State has the duty frankly to
express his opinion٫ to which the King is bound to listen. But it rests with
the King to make a decision according to his own judgment.
(۳) If any Member of the Council of State is of the opinion that the King''s
decision conflicts with the form of government or the laws of the Realm٫ or is
clearly prejudicial to the Realm٫ it is his duty to make strong remonstrances
against it٫ as well as to have his opinion entered in the records. A member who
has not thus protested is deemed to have been in agreement with the King٫ and
shall be answerable in such manner as may be subsequently decided٫ and may be
impeached by the General Chamber [Odelsting] before the Court of Impeachment.
Article ۳۱ [Countersignature]
All decisions drawn up by the King shall٫ in order to become valid٫ be
countersigned. The decisions relating to military command are countersigned by
the person who has presented the matter٫ while other decisions are
countersigned by the Prime Minister or٫ if he has not been present٫ by the
highest-ranking Member of the Council of State present.
Article ۳۲ [Absentee Signature]
The decisions adopted by the Government during the King''s absence shall be
drawn up in the King''s name and be signed by the Council of State.
Article ۳۳ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۳۴ [Titles]
The King shall make provisions concerning titles for those who are entitled to
succeed to the Crown.
Article ۳۵ [Advisory Seat of the Successor]
As soon as the heir to the Throne has completed her or his eighteenth year٫ she
or he is entitled to take a seat in the Council of State٫ although without a
vote or responsibility.
Article ۳۶ [Consent to Marriage of the Successor]
(۱) A Princess or Prince entitled to succeed to the Crown of Norway may not
marry without the consent of the King. Nor may she or he accept any other crown
or government without the consent of the King and the Parliament [Storting];
for the consent of the Parliament [Storting] two thirds of the votes are
required.
(۲) If she or he acts contrary to this rule٫ they and their descendants forfeit
their right to the Throne of Norway.
Article ۳۷ [Immunity of the Successor]
The Royal Princes and Princesses shall not personally be answerable to anyone
other than the King٫ or whomever he decrees to sit in judgment on them.
Article ۳۸ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۳۹ [Death of the King]
If the King dies and the heir to the Throne is still under age٫ the Council of
State shall immediately summon the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۴۰ [Administration Without King]
Until the Parliament [Storting] has assembled and made provisions for the
government during the minority of the King٫ the Council of State shall be
responsible for the administration of the Realm in accordance with the
Constitution.
Article ۴۱ [Temporary execccution of the Royal Powers]
If the King is absent from the Realm unless commanding in the field٫ or if he
is so ill that he cannot attend to the government٫ the person next entitled to
succeed to the Throne shall٫ provided that he has attained the age stipulated
for the King''s majority٫ conduct the government as the temporary execccutor
of the Royal Powers. If this is not the case٫ the Council of State will conduct
the administration of the Realm.
Article ۴۲ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۴۳ [Trustees of the King During Minority]
The choice of trustees to conduct the government on behalf of the King during
his minority shall be undertaken by the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۴۴ [Oath of Temporary execccutor]
(۱) The Princess or Prince who٫ in the cases mentioned in Article ۴۱٫ conducts
the government shall make the following oath in writing before the Parliament
[Storting]: "I promise and swear that I will conduct the government in
accordance with the Constitution and the Laws٫ so help me God٫ the Almighty and
Omniscient."
(۲) If the Parliament [Storting] is not in session at the time٫ the oath shall
be made in the Council of State and later be presented to the next Parliament
[Storting].
(۳) The Princess or Prince who has once made the oath shall not repeat it
later.
Article ۴۵ [Account of Temporary Government]
As soon as their conduct of the government ceases٫ the trustees shall submit to
the King and the Parliament [Storting] an account of the same.
Article ۴۶ [Emergency Summons by Supreme Court]
If the persons concerned fail to summon the Parliament [Storting] immediately
in accordance with Article ۳۹٫ it becomes the unconditional duty of the Supreme
Court٫ as soon as four weeks have elapsed٫ to arrange for the Parliament
[Storting] to be summoned.
Article ۴۷ [Education of the King During Minority]
The supervision of the education of the King during his minority should٫ if
both his parents are dead and neither of them has left any written directions
thereon٫ be determined by the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۴۸ [Choice of New Dynasty]
If the Royal Line has died out٫ and no successor to the Throne has been
designated٫ then a new Queen or King shall be chosen by the Parliament
[Storting]. Meanwhile٫ the execccutive Power shall be exercised in accordance
with Article ۴۰.
[Section] C. Rights of citizens and the Legislative Power
Article ۴۹ [Legislative Power]
The people exercises the Legislative Power through the Parliament [Storting]٫
which consists of two departments٫ the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] and the
General Chamber [Odelsting].
Article ۵۰ [Electoral Rights]
(۱) Those entitled to vote are Norwegian citizens٫ men and women٫ who٫ at the
latest in the year when the election is held٫ have completed their ۱۸th year.
(۲) The extent٫ however٫ to which Norwegian citizens٫ who on Election Day are
resident outside the Realm but who satisfy the aforementioned conditions٫ are
entitled to vote shall be determined by law.
(۳) Rules may be laid down by law concerning the right to vote of persons٫
otherwise entitled to vote٫ who on Election Day are manifestly suffering from a
seriously weakened mental state or a reduced level of consciousness.
Article ۵۱ [Voter Registration]
The rules on the keeping of the poll list and on the registration in the poll
list of persons entitled to vote shall be determined by law.
Article ۵۲ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۵۳ [Loss of Electoral Rights]
The right to vote is lost by persons:
a) sentenced for criminal offences٫ in accordance with the relevant provisions
laid down by law;
b) entering the service of a foreign power without the consent of the
Government; c) { repealed } d) demonstrably guilty of havinggg bought
votes٫ of havinggg sold their own vote٫ or of havinggg voted at more than one
polling station. e) { repealed }
Article ۵۴ [Term٫ Re-Election]
The polls shall be held every fourth year. They shall be concluded by the end
of September.
Article ۵۵ [Conduct of Polls]
The polls shall be conducted in the manner prescribed by law. Disputes
regarding the right to vote shall be settled by the poll officials٫ whose
decision may be appealed to the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۵۶ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۵۷ [Number of Representatives in the Parliament]
The number of representatives to be elected to the Parliament [Storting] shall
be one hundred and sixty-five.
Article ۵۸ [Constituencies]
(۱) Each county constitutes a constituency.
(۲) One hundred and fifty-seven of the Representatives of the Parliament
[Storting] are elected as representatives of constituencies and the remaining ۸
representatives are elected so as to achieve a greater degree of
proportionality.
(۳) Representatives of constituencies are distributed among the constituencies
of the Realm as follows:
۸ are elected from the county of Ostfold٫
۱۵ from Oslo٫
۱۲ from the county of Akershus٫
۸ from the county of Hedmark٫
۷ from the county of Oppland٫
۷ from the county of Buskerud٫
۷ from the county of Vestfold٫
۶ from the county of Telemark٫
۴ from the county of Aust-Agder٫
۵ from the county of Vest-Agder٫
۱۰ from the county of Rogaland٫
۱۵ from the county of Hordaland٫
۵ from the county of Sogn og Fjordane٫
۱۰ from the county of More og Romsdal٫
۱۰ from the county of Sor-Trondelag٫
۶ from the county of Nord-Trondelag٫
۱۲ from the county of Nordland٫
۶ from the county of Troms٫ and
۴ from the county of Finnmark.
Article ۵۹ [Polls in Municipalities٫ Proportional Representation٫ Quorum]
(۱) Each municipality constitutes a separate polling district.
(۲) The polls shall be held separately for each polling district. At the polls
votes shall be cast directly for representatives to the Parliament [Storting]٫
together with their proxies٫ to represent the entire constituency.
(۳) The election of representatives of constituencies is based on proportional
representation and the seats are distributed among the political parties in
accordance with the following rules.
(۴) The total number of votes cast for each party within each separate
constituency is divided by ۱.۴٫ ۳٫ ۵٫ ۷ and so on until the number of votes
cast is divided as many times as the number of seats that the party in question
may expect to obtain. The party which in accordance with the foregoing obtains
the largest quotient is allotted the first seat٫ while the second seat is
allotted to the party with the second largest quotient٫ and so on until all the
seats are distributed. If several parties have the same quotient٫ lots are
drawn to decide to which party the seat shall be allotted. List alliances are
not permitted.
(۵) The seats at large are distributed among the parties taking part in such
distribution on the basis of the relation between the total number of votes
cast for the individual parties in the entire Realm in order to achieve the
highest possible degree of proportionality among the parties. The total number
of seats in the Parliament [Storting] to be held by each party is determined by
applying the rules concerning the distribution of constituency seats
correspondingly to the entire Realm and to the parties taking part in the
distribution of the seats at large. The parties are then allotted so many seats
at large that these٫ together with the constituency seats already allotted٫
correspond to the number of seats in the Parliament [Storting] to which the
party in question is entitled in accordance with the foregoing. If according to
these rules two or more parties are equally entitled to a seat٫ preference
shall be given to the party receiving the greatest number of votes or٫ in the
event of a tie٫ the one which is chosen by drawing lots. If a party has already
through the distribution of constituency seats obtained a greater number of
seats than that to which it is entitled in accordance with the foregoing٫ a new
distribution of the seats at large shall be carried out exclusively among the
other parties٫ in such a way that no account is taken of the number of votes
cast for and constituency seats obtained by the said party.
(۶) No party may be allotted a seat at large unless it has received at least ۴
per cent of the total number of votes cast in the entire Realm.
(۷) The seats at large obtained by a party are distributed among that
party''s lists of candidates for constituency elections so that the first
seat is allotted to the list left with the largest quotient after the
constituency''s seats are distributed٫ the second seat to the list with the
second largest quotient٫ and so on until all the party''s seats at large have
been distributed.
Article ۶۰ [Absentee Ballot]
Whether and in what manner those entitled to vote may deliver their ballot
papers٫ without personal attendance at the polls٫ shall be determined by law.
Article ۶۱ [Residence Requirement]
No one is eligible as a representative to the Parliament [Storting] unless he
has resided for ۱۰ years in the Realm٫ as well as being entitled to vote.
Article ۶۲ [Incompatibilities]
(۱) Officials who are employed in government departments٫ except however the
State Secretaries٫ or officials and pensioners of the Court٫ may not be elected
as representatives to the Parliament [Storting]. The same applies to officials
employed in the diplomatic or consular services.
(۲) Members of the Council of State may not attend meetings of the Parliament
[Storting] as representatives while holding a seat in the Council of State. Nor
may the State Secretaries attend as representatives while holding their
appointments.
Article ۶۳ [Duty to Accept Election]
(۱) It is the duty of anyone who is elected as a representative to accept such
election٫ unless:
a) He is elected outside the constituency in which he is entitled to vote.
b) He has as a representative attended all the sessions of the Parliament
[Storting] following the previous election.
c) He has completed his sixtieth year at the latest in the year when the
General Election is held.
d) He is a member of a political party and he is elected on a list of
candidates which has not been issued by that party.
(۲) If anyone is elected as a representative without being bound to accept such
election٫ he must٫ within the time and in the manner prescribed by law٫ make a
declaration stating whether or not he accepts election.
(۳) It shall similarly be prescribed by law by what date and in which manner
anyone who is elected as representative for two or more constituencies shall
state which election he will accept.
Article ۶۴ [Credentials of Representatives]
The representatives elected shall be furnished with credentials٫ the validity
of which shall be adjudged by the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۶۵ [Reimbursement and Remuneration of Representatives]
(۱) Every representative and proxy called to the Parliament [Storting] shall be
entitled to receive from the Treasury such reimbursement as is prescribed by
law for travelling expenses to and from the Parliament [Storting]٫ and from the
Parliament [Storting] to his home and back again during vacations lasting at
least fourteen days.
(۲) He shall further be entitled to remuneration٫ likewise prescribed by law٫
for attending the Parliament [Storting].
Article ۶۶ [Immunity]
Representatives on their way to and from the Parliament [Storting]٫ as well as
during their attendance there٫ shall be exempt from personal arrest٫ unless
they are apprehended in public crimes٫ nor may they be called to account
outside the meetings of the Parliament [Storting] for opinions expressed there.
Every representative shall be bound to conform to the rules of procedure
therein adopted.
Article ۶۷ [Membership in Parliament]
The representatives elected in the aforesaid manner shall constitute the
Parliament [Storting] of the Kingdom of Norway.
Article ۶۸ [Assembly of Parliament]
The Parliament [Storting] shall as a rule assemble on the first weekday in
October every year in the capital of the Realm٫ unless the King٫ by reason of
extraordinary circumstances٫ such as hostile invasion or infectious disease٫
designates another town in the Realm for the purpose. Such a decision must be
publicly announced in good time.
Article ۶۹ [Summoning by the King]
When the Parliament [Storting] is not assembled٫ it may be summoned by the King
if he finds it necessary.
Article ۷۰ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۷۱ [Term of Parliament]
The members of the Parliament [Storting] function as such for four successive
years.
Article ۷۲ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۷۳ [Chambers of Parliament]
(۱) The Parliament [Storting] nominates from among its members one fourth to
constitute the Permanent Chamber [Lagting]٫ the remaining three fourths to
constitute the General Chamber [Odelsting]. This nomination shall take place at
the first session of the Parliament [Storting] that assembles after a new
General Election٫ whereafter the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] shall remain
unchanged at all sessions of the Parliament [Storting] assembled after the same
election٫ except insofar as any vacancy which may occur among its members has
to be filled by special nomination.
(۲) Each Chamber [Ting] holds its meetings separately and nominates its own
President and Secretary. Neither Chamber [Ting] may hold a meeting unless at
least half of its Members are present. However٫ Bills concerning amendments to
the Constitution may not be dealt with unless at least two thirds of the
Members of the Parliament [Storting] are present.
Article ۷۴ [Opening Speech of the King]
(۱) As soon as the Parliament [Storting] is constituted٫ the King٫ or whoever
he appoints for the purpose٫ shall open its proceedings with a Speech٫ in which
he shall inform it of the state of the Realm and of the issues to which he
particularly desires to call the attention of the Parliament [Storting]. No
deliberations may take place in the presence of the King.
(۲) When the proceedings of the Parliament [Storting] have been opened٫ the
Prime Minister and the Members of the Council of State have the right to attend
the Parliament [Storting]٫ as well as both departments of the Parliament
[Storting]٫ and٫ like its Members٫ although without voting٫ to take part in any
proceedings conducted in open session٫ while in matters discussed in closed
session only insofar as permitted by the Chamber [Ting] concerned.
Article ۷۵ [Powers of Parliament]
It devolves upon the Parliament [Storting]:
a) to enact and repeal laws; to impose taxes٫ dues٫ customs and other public
charrrges٫ which shall not٫ however٫ remain operative beyond ۳۱ December of
the succeeding year٫ unless they are expressly renewed by a new Parliament
[Storting];
b) to raise loans in the name of the Realm;
c) to supervise the monetary affairs of the Realm;
d) to appropriate the moneys necessary to meet government expenditure;
e) to decide how much shall be paid annually to the King for the Royal
Household٫ and to determine the Royal Family''s appanage which may not٫
however٫ consist of real property;
f) to have submitted to it the records of the Council of State٫ and all public
reports and documents;
g) to have communicated to it the conventions and treaties which the King٫ on
behalf of the State٫ has concluded with foreign powers;
h) to have the right to require anyone٫ the King and the Royal Family excepted٫
to appear before it on matters of State; the exception does not٫ however٫
apply to the Royal Princes if they hold any public office;
i) to review the provisional lists of salaries and pensions and to make therein
such alterations as it deems necessary; j) { repealed } k) to appoint five
auditors٫ who shall annually examine the State Accounts and publish extracts of
the same in print٫ for which purpose the Accounts shall be submitted to the
auditors within six months of the end of the year for which the appropriations
of the Parliament [Storting] have been made٫ and to adopt provisions concerning
the procedure for authorizing the accounts of government accounting officials;
l) to appoint a person٫ not a member of the Parliament [Storting]٫ in a manner
prescribed by law٫ to supervise the public administration and all who work in
its service٫ to assure that no injustice is done against the individual
citizen;
m) to naturalize aliens.
Article ۷۶ [Legislation]
(۱) Every Bill shall first be proposed in the General Chamber [Odelsting]٫
either by one of its own Members٫ or by the government through a Member of the
Council of State.
(۲) If the Bill is passed٫ it is sent to the Permanent Chamber [Lagting]٫ which
either approves or rejects it٫ and in the latter case returns it with appended
comments. These are taken into consideration by the General Chamber [Odelsting]
٫ which either shelves the bill or again sends it to the Permanent Chamber
[Lagting]٫ with or without alteration.
(۳) When a Bill from the General Chamber [Odelsting] has twice been presented
to the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] and has been returned a second time as
rejected٫ the Parliament [Storting] shall meet in plenary session٫ and the bill
is then decided by a majority of two thirds of its votes.
(۴) Between each such deliberation there shall be an interval of at least three
days.
Article ۷۷ [Royal Assent]
When a Bill passed by the General Chamber [Odelsting] has been approved by the
Permanent Chamber [Lagting] or by the Parliament [Storting] in plenary session٫
it is sent to the King٫ with a request that it may receive the Royal Assent.
Article ۷۸ [Royal Signature]
(۱) If the King assents to the Bill٫ he appends his signature٫ whereby it
becomes law.
(۲) If he does not assent to it٫ he returns it to the General Chamber
[Odelsting] with a statement that he does not for the time being find it
expedient to sanction it. In that case the Bill must not again be submitted to
the King by the Parliament [Storting] then assembled.
Article ۷۹ [Enactment of Bills]
If a Bill has been passed unaltered by two sessions of the Parliament
[Storting]٫ constituted after two separate successive elections and separated
from each other by at least two intervening sessions of the Parliament
[Storting]٫ without a divergent Bill havinggg been passed by any Parliament
[Storting] in the period between the first and last adoption٫ and it is then
submitted to the King with a petition that His Majesty shall not refuse his
assent to a Bill which٫ after the most mature deliberation٫ the Parliament
[Storting] considers to be beneficial٫ it shall become law even if the Royal
Assent is not accorded before the Parliament [Storting] goes into recess.
Article ۸۰ [Sessions and Recesses]
(۱) The Parliament [Storting] shall remain in session as long as it deems it
necessary and shall terminate its proceedings when it has concluded its
business.
(۲) In accordance with the rules of procedure adopted by the Parliament
[Storting]٫ the proceedings may be resumed٫ but they shall terminate not later
than the last Sunday in the month of September.
(۳) Within this time the King shall communicate his decision with regard to the
Bills that have not already been decided (cf. Articles ۷۷ to ۷۹)٫ by either
confirming or rejecting them. All those which he does not expressly accept are
deemed to have been rejected by him.
Article ۸۱ [Assent and Confirmation]
All Acts (with the exception of those mentioned in Article ۷۹) are drawn up in
the name of the King٫ under the seal of the Realm of Norway٫ and in the
following terms:
"We٫ X٫ make it publicly known: that the decision of the Parliament [Storting]
of the date stated has been laid before Us: (here follows the decision). In
consequence whereof We have assented to and confirmed٫ as We hereby do assent
to and confirm the same as Law under Our Hand and the Seal of the Realm."
Article ۸۲ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۸۳ [Expertise of the Supreme Court]
The Parliament [Storting] may obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court on points
of law.
Article ۸۴ [Publicity of the Parliament]
The Parliament [Storting] shall meet in open session٫ and its proceedings shall
be published in print٫ except in those cases where a majority decides to the
contrary.
Article ۸۵ [Treason Against the Country]
Any person who obeys an order٫ the purpose of which is to disturb the liberty
and security of the Parliament [Storting]٫ is thereby guilty of treason against
the Country.
[Section] D. The Judicial Power
Article ۸۶ [Court of Impeachment]
(۱) The Court of Impeachment pronounces judgment in the first and last instance
in such proceedings as are brought by the General Chamber [Odelsting] against
Members of the Council of State٫ or of the Supreme Court or of the Parliament
[Storting]٫ for criminal offences which they may have committed in their
official capacity.
(۲) The specific rules concerning indictment by the General Chamber [Odelsting]
in accordance with this Article shall be determined by law. However٫ the
limitation period for the institution of indictment proceedings before the
Court of Impeachment may not be set at less than ۱۵ years.
(۳) The permanent Members of the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] and the
permanently appointed Members of the Supreme Court are judges of the Court of
Impeachment. The provisions contained in Article ۸۷ shall apply to the
composition of the Court of Impeachment in the particular case. In the Court of
Impeachment the President of the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] shall preside.
(۴) Any person sitting in the Court of Impeachment as a Member of the Permanent
Chamber [Lagting] shall not resign from the Court if the period for which he is
elected as a representative to the Parliament [Storting] expires before the
Court of Impeachment has concluded the trial of the case. If he ceases٫ for any
other reason٫ to be a Member of the Parliament [Storting]٫ he shall resign as a
judge of the Court of Impeachment. The same applies if a Justice of the Supreme
Court٫ who is a Member of the Court of Impeachment٫ retires as a Member of the
Supreme Court.
Article ۸۷ [Members of the Court of Impeachment]
(۱) The accused and the person acting on behalf of the General Chamber
[Odelsting] in the proceedings have the right to challenge as many Members of
the Permanent Chamber
[Lagting] and of the Supreme Court as will leave remaining fourteen Members of
the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] and seven Members of the Supreme Court as
judges in the Court of Impeachment. Each party in the proceedings may challenge
an equal number of the Members of the Permanent Chamber [Lagting]٫ although the
accused has the preferential right to challenge one more٫ if the number to be
challenged is not divisible by two. The same shall apply to the challenging of
the Members of the Supreme Court. If there are several accused in such
proceedings٫ they exercise the right of challenge collectively in accordance
with rules prescribed by law. If the right of challenge is not exercised to the
extent permitted٫ as many Members of the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] and of the
Supreme Court as are in excess of fourteen and seven respectively retire
following the drawing of lots.
(۲) When the case comes up for judgment٫ as many judges of the Court of
Impeachment shall retire following the drawing of lots that the Court due to
render judgment is left with fifteen Members٫ of whom at most ten are Members
of the Permanent Chamber [Lagting] and five Justices of the Supreme Court.
(۳) The President of the Court of Impeachment and the President of the Supreme
Court shall in no case retire following the drawing of lots.
(۴) If the Court of Impeachment cannot be composed of as many Members of the
Permanent Chamber [Lagting] or of the Supreme Court as prescribed above٫ the
case may nevertheless be tried and judgment rendered٫ provided that the Court
numbers at least ten judges.
(۵) Specific provisions as to the procedure to be followed in the composition
of the Court of Impeachment shall be laid down by law.
Article ۸۸ [Supreme Court]
(۱) The Supreme Court pronounces judgment in the final instance. Nevertheless٫
limitations on the right to bring a case before the Supreme Court may be
prescribed by law.
(۲) The Supreme Court shall consist of a President and at least four other
Members.
Article ۸۹ […]
{ Repealed }
Article ۹۰ [No Appeal on Supreme Court Judgments]
The judgments of the Supreme Court may in no case be appealed.
Article ۹۱ [Eligibility to Supreme Court]
No one may be appointed a member of the Supreme Court before reaching ۳۰ years
of age.
[Section] E. General Provisions
Article ۹۲ [Eligibility to Public Offices]
(۱) To senior official posts in the State may be appointed only Norwegian
citizens٫ men or women٫ who speak the language of the Country٫ and who at the
same time
a) either were born in the Realm of parents who were then subjects of the
State;
b) or were born in a foreign country of Norwegian parents who were not at that
time subjects of another State;
c) or hereafter have resided for ten years in the Realm;
d) or have been naturalized by the Parliament [Storting].
(۲) Others may٫ however٫ be appointed as teachers at the university and
institutions of higher learning٫ as medical practitioners and as consuls in
places abroad.
Article ۹۳ [Transfer of Sovereignty Rights to International Organizations]
(۱) In order to safeguard international peace and security or to promote the
international rule of law and cooperation between nations٫ the Parliament
[Storting] may٫ by a three-fourths
majority٫ consent that an international organization to which Norway adheres or
will adhere shall have the right٫ within objectttively defined fields٫ to
exercise powers which in accordance with this Constitution are normally vested
in the Norwegian authorities٫ although not the power to alter this
Constitution. For the Parliament [Storting] to grant such consent٫ at least two
thirds of the Members of the Parliament [Storting] shall be present٫ as
required for proceedings for amending the Constitution.
(۲) The provisions of this Article do not apply in cases of membership in an
international organization٫ whose decisions only have application for Norway
purely under international law.
Article ۹۴ [General Civil and Criminal Code]
(۱) The first٫ or if this is not possible٫ the second ordinary Parliament
[Storting]٫ shall make provision for the publication of a new general civil and
criminal code. However the currently applicable laws of the State shall remain
in force٫ provided they do not conflict with this Constitution or with such
provisional ordinances as may be issued in the meantime.
(۲) The existing permanent taxes shall likewise remain operative until the next
Parliament [Storting].
Article ۹۵ [Equality Before the Law]
No dispensations٫ protection from civil arrest٫ moratoriums or redresses may be
granted after the new general code has entered into force.
Article ۹۶ [Presumption of Innocence٫ Prohibition of Torture]
No one may be convicted except according to law٫ or be punished except after a
court judgment. Interrogation by torture must not take place.
Article ۹۷ [nulla poena sine lege٫ Prohibition of Retroactive Laws]
No law must be given retroactive effect.
Article ۹۸ [Court Fees]
When special fees are paid to officials of the Courts of Justice٫ no further
payment shall be made to the Treasury in respect of the same matter.
Article ۹۹ [Arrest٫ Military Force]
(۱) No one may be taken into custody except in the cases determined by law and
in the manner prescribed by law. For unwarranted arrest٫ or illegal detention٫
the officer concerned is accountable to the person imprisoned.
(۲) The Government is not entitled to employ military force against citizens of
the State٫ except in accordance with the forms prescribed by law٫ unless any
assembly disturbs the public peace and does not immediately disperse after the
Articles of the Statute Book relating to riots have been read out clearly three
times by the civil authority.
Article ۱۰۰ [Press٫ Expression]
There shall be liberty of the Press. No person may be punished for any writing٫
whatever its contents٫ which he has caused to be printed or published٫ unless
he wilfully and manifestly has either himself shown or incited others to
disobedience to the laws٫ contempt of religion٫ morality or the constitutional
powers٫ or resistance to their orders٫ or has made false and defamatory
accusations against anyone. Everyone shall be free to speak his mind frankly on
the administration of the State and on any other subject whatsoever.
Article ۱۰۱ [No Privileges in Trade and Industry]
New and permanent privileges implying restrictions on the freedom of trade and
industry must not in future be granted to anyone.
Article ۱۰۲ [Search]
Search of private homes shall not be made except in criminal cases.
Article ۱۰۳ [Bankruptcy]
Asylum for the protection of debtors shall not be granted to such persons as
hereafter become bankrupt.
Article ۱۰۴ [No Forfeiture of Property]
Land and goods may in no case be made subject to forfeiture.
Article ۱۰۵ [Expropriation٫ Compensation]
If the welfare of the State requires that any person shall surrender his
movable or immovable property for the public use٫ he shall receive full
compensation from the Treasury.
Article ۱۰۶ [charrritable Purposes]
The purchase money٫ as well as the revenues of the landed property constituting
ecclesiastical benefices٫ shall be applied solely to the benefit of the clergy
and to the promotion of education. The property of charrritable institutions
shall be applied solely to the benefit of the institutions themselves.
Article ۱۰۷ [Preservation of Allodium and Primogeniture]
Allodial right {i.e.٫ an Anglo-Saxon form of real estate in absolute control of
the owner without any rents٫ services etc.} and the right of primogeniture
{i.e.٫ exclusive inheritance by the firstborn} shall not be abolished. The
specific conditions under which these rights shall continue for the greatest
benefit of the State and to the best advantage of the rural population shall be
determined by the first or second subsequent Parliament [Storting].
Article ۱۰۸ [No New Nobility and Fideicommissa]
No earldoms٫ baronies٫ entailed estates or fideicommissa may be createeed in
the future.
Article ۱۰۹ [Defence٫ Military Service]
(۱) As a general rule every citizen of the State is equally bound to serve in
the defence of the Country for a specific period٫ irrespective of birth or
fortune.
(۲) The application of this principle٫ and the restrictions to which it shall
be subject٫ shall be determined by law.
Article ۱۱۰ [Work٫ unionnns]
(۱) It is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to createee
conditions enabling every person capable of work to earn a living by his work.
(۲) Specific provisions concerning the right of employees to co-determination
at their work place shall be laid down by law.
Article ۱۱۰a [Minority Rights of the Sami]
It is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to createee
conditions enabling the Sami people to preserve and develop its language٫
culture and way of life.
Article ۱۱۰b [Environment]
(۱) Every person has a right to an environment that is conducive to health and
to natural surroundings whose productivity and diversity are preserved. Natural
resources should be made use of on the basis of comprehensive long-term
considerations whereby this right will be safeguarded for future generations as
well.
(۲) In order to safeguard their right in accordance with the foregoing
paragraph٫ citizens are entitled to be informed of the state of the natural
environment and of the effects of any encroachments on nature that are planned
or commenced.
(۳) The State authorities shall issue further provisions for the implementation
of these principles.
Article ۱۱۰c [Human Rights]
It is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to respect and ensure
human rights. Specific provisions for the implementation of treaties hereof
shall be determined by law.
Article ۱۱۱ [State Symbols]
The form and colours of the Norwegian Flag shall be determined by law.
Article ۱۱۲ [Amendments]
(۱) If experience shows that any part of this Constitution of the Kingdom of
Norway ought to be amended٫ the proposal to this effect shall be submitted to
the first٫ second or third Parliament [Storting] after a new General Election
and be publicly announced in print. But it shall be left to the first٫ second
or third Parliament [Storting] after the following General Election to decide
whether or not the proposed amendment shall be adopted. Such amendment must
never٫ however٫ contradict the principles embodied in this Constitution٫ but
solely relate to modifications of particular provisions which do not alter the
spirit of the Constitution٫ and such amendment requires that two thirds of the
Parliament [Storting] agree thereto.
(۲) An amendment to the Constitution adopted in the manner aforesaid shall be
signed by the President and the Secretary of the Parliament [Storting]٫ and
shall be sent to the King for public announcement in print٫ as an applicable
provision of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway.