Judicial review of parliamentary legislation: Norway as a European pioneer

The Hon Justice Carsten Smith examines the origins and influence of the late 20th century idea, adopted across Europe, that law, as applied by the courts, shall function as a check upon parliamentary power and explains its roots in 19th century Norway. An abridged version of the Coffin Memorial Lecture on the History of Ideas given at the IALS on 3rd April 2000 by the Hon Justice Carsten Smith, President of the Norwegian Supreme Court (and Fellow of SALS). Published in Amicus Curiae - Journal of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and its Society for Advanced Legal Studies. The Journal is produced by the Society for Advanced Legal Studies at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London.