Conciliation Boards were an interesting part of 19th century Icelandic Society and warrant a brief discussion.
Danish authorities struggled to find ways to simplify the justice system and make it affordable for the general public. This effort gave rise to a friendly approach on behalf of King Christian 7th to establish Conciliation Boards throughout his kingdom. In July 1795, the King signed a new law in five chapters and fifty-nine paragraphs which, in detail, explained how such Boards should be established, their working methods, and their advantage for the King´s subjects.
It was stipulated that all quarrels, except a few precisely detailed in the law, should first be brought before the Conciliation Board. Witnesses were never called. The disagreeing parties met before the board, the issues at stake were then discussed behind closed doors, and written material of proceedings was strictly forbidden. Only the outcome of efforts to reconcile the disputing parties was recorded. In other words, what was spoken behind the closed doors would never be used in public if the board failed to bring about satisfactory reconciliation and the issue would have to be settled in court. Anyone appearing before such a Board could freely speak out and that is the key for the Conciliation Board to work.
This should also speed up cases. If a dispute took place in a village, the Board had seven days to complete a settlement; if it failed another seven were added.
The members of the Board accepted fees for their work from the disputing parties, though only if a satisfactory settlement was reached.
Those in Iceland, responsible for selecting members to a Conciliation Board were, in the beginning, a little confused. They, for instance, questioned the selection of a County Sheriff which was not surprising as such Sheriffs were both heads of police and judges in court. This issue was not settled until August 1789.
Yes, they may sit on a Conciliation Board, Danish authorities stated, adding that there should also not be any doubt that respectable and kind-hearted pastors should also be included, as well as the most dependable farmers.
The above is based on research by Icelandic Historian, Jón Hjaltason and his article “Sáttanefndir“ . English version by Thor Group