|
The narrow path of the law |
|
Denmark has an old tradition for written laws. Already in 1241 the king Valdemar Sejr gave the 'Jyske Lov' [the Jutlandic Law]. It is from the Jutlandic Law that we have the expression 'med lov skal land bygges' [with law the country shall be built]. Our ancestors had grasped a principle issue - just read the introduction to the Jutlandic Law: "Were there no Law in the Country, then the one had most, who could seize the most. Thus the Law shall be made after the Wants of all, that the righteous and the peaceful and the innocent shall enjoy their Peace, and the unjust and the malicious can fear for that, which is written in the Law, and thus will not dare fulfill the Malice, they have in Mind." The laws reflect the times they are created in. What is right or wrong changes during history following the development in society, just as the areas which are necessary to legislate for do. Today there are no laws regarding bastards or bondsmen, just as there in 1241 was no legislation regarding foundations. The Jutlandic Law is quite clear and does not take long to read. This is far from the case with the prevailing laws in the kingdom of Denmark. The constitution of 1849 is the fundamental law of Denmark. This signifies that the Folketing [the Danish Parliament], as the legislative power, is not allowed to approve laws which are in contradiction with the Constitution. Denmark has also ratified the European Declaration of Human Rights. These two documents place a decisive and good, fundamental framework for the Danish society and for all people. In addition, the changing political parties and governments constantly pass new laws and amendments to existing laws, so it is becoming more and more inscrutable what is right and what is not. It is quite common for the Danish Parliament to pass 500 laws a year - added to this are a number of government orders, instructions, circulars, regulations, etc. which one also has to comply with. People who with healthy morals and high ethics wish to move through life within the framework of the law, because the very same moral prescribes them to do so, can at times encounter difficulties. BUT it could be completely unproblematic. In itself it is not problematic to follow a law - also when the path is narrow - as long as the law is known and respected by all parties. The problems begin with the tyranny of a society without norms. - When the jungle of laws are left to the administrators' free interpretation in both the present as well as with retrospective force. - When the rules are no longer clear, and when every effort can simply be twisted and become the object of changing interpretations. - When freedom of press means that frivolous and undocumented claims can be advanced in the press and turn the Danish Parliament and authorities upside-down and a place a large amount of tax money at stake.... yes, then the narrow path can become highly problematic to stroll along. The Foundation has always made an urgent point to keep within the frames of the prevailing laws. The Foundation respects the existing laws in our society and expects in return the same from everybody else - people, authorities, and the legislators themselves. Everybody is best served with good systems and rules. One can say much about the many laws in Denmark, but in this connection it is not essential, and has as such never been an issue which the board of the Foundation has had any opinion about. The point of departure for the board has first of all been a solidary humanistic view of humanity - a preoccupation and an engagement in life on our shared earth, in its people, its issues, its possibilities and its future. On this basis the Foundation was created, and its funds distributed - constantly with a focus on everything being carried out according to the prevailing laws. Throughout the years, the Foundation has been examined from one end to the other. It may be the foundation in Denmark which has been the most thoroughly scrutinized during the past fourteen years. Every imaginable authority has had the task of controlling that everything was done according to the book. In addition, the Foundation has controlled itself and actively sought out legislative, economic and technical support and guidance. Read about this in the following sections: |
Home |
|
Top The Foundation for
the Support of Humanitarian Purposes, for Promotion |