Lèse majesté in Norway

Lèse majesté in Norway (Norwegian: majestetsfornærmelse, majestetsforbrytelse, crimen (læsæ) majestatis, etc.) was judicially based and defined in Norway's 1902 Penal Code, which provided fines or prison for this crime. Often related to political conflicts, accusations of lèse majesté were frequent in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and many cases resulted in execution. Virtually no legal actions have been taken after 1905. The last to be charged for lèse majesté was a man who attacked Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom during her state visit in 1981. As of 2015, lèse majesté is no longer a criminal offence in Norway.

On 1 October 2015, the 2005 Penal Code entered into effect, after which lèse majesté is no longer a criminal offence.

The 1814 Constitution of the Kingdom of Norway states in article 5 that the King's person is holy and that he may not be blamed or accused.

According to the 1902 Penal Code, article 100, a person should be punished with 21 years of prison if he causes, attempts to cause or contributes to the death of the King or of the Regent.

Article 101 said: "If any defamation is exercised against the King or the Regent, the guilty is punished with a fine or up to five years of prison."

Article 102 provided similar protection to other members of the Royal House.

Article 103 stated that prosecutions demand either the command or the acceptance of the King.

According to article 96, foreign heads of state enjoyed, on certain conditions and when visiting or staying in the Kingdom, protection against lèse majesté.

Articles 100-102 were amended in 1981. Article 103 has remained the same since 1902. The 1902 penal code was gradually replaced by the 2005 penal code.

The 1842 Penal Code contained provisions concerning "violations of the body or the health" of (article 9–13) the King, (article 9–17) the Queen consort, the Queen dowager, and the Royal Princes and Princesses. The punishment was lifetime slavery or capital punishment.

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