{{Short description|Medieval Frisian legal position}} {{italic title}} In the Old Frisian legal tradition, an '''{{lang|ofs|asega}}''' ('legal interpreter' or 'lawspeaker') was an official legal advisor to a court of law in the Westerlauwers district (i.e., west of the River Lauwers) in western Friesland. Unlike a modern judge, the {{lang|ofs|asega}} gave in most cases only an expert opinion on the law itself rather than on the facts of the case.<ref>Karl Otto Johannes Theresius Freiherr von Richthofen, ''Untersuchungen über friesische Rechtsgeschichte'' Part 2, volume 1 ''Upstalsbom, Freiheit und Grafen in Friesland'', Berlin: Hertz, 1882, {{OCLC|614868273}}, [https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_VEBBAAAAYAAJ <!-- quote=einen Gesetz-sprecher, einen Rechtskundigen. --> p. 458] {{in lang|de}}</ref> As can be seen from the legal system known as ''Oudere Schoutenrecht'',<ref name="Popkema2010">{{cite book|last=Popkema|first=Anne Tjerk|title=Fon Jelde: Opstellen Van D.J. Henstra Over Middeleeuws Frisia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=whUETwVMSk0C&pg=PA100|accessdate=13 December 2012|date=15 December 2010|publisher=Barkhuis|isbn=978-90-77922-80-4|page=100}}</ref> in the Old Frisian legal system with its formal approach to evidence, there was little room for appreciation of the facts of the case. Nevertheless, in exceptional circumstances, when there was a need for interpreting old sources of law in arriving at an appreciation of the case, the {{lang|ofs|asega}} was asked for his opinion. The court could however refuse to accept his interpretation, simply arriving at its own verdict.
During the Middle Ages, the {{lang|ofs|asega}}{{'s}} role became superfluous and his function was discontinued, in most areas towards the end of the 13th century.<ref name=Buitelaar120>A. L. P. Buitelaar, ''De Stichtse ministerialiteit en de ontginningen in de Utrechtse Vechtstreek'', Middeleeuwse studies en bronnen, 37, Hilversum: Verloren, 1993, {{ISBN|9789065502537}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=MV74PPAXm9sC&dq=asega&pg=PA120 p. 120] {{in lang|nl}}</ref> In Friesland, the {{lang|ofs|grietman}} assumed the duties of both schout (or prosecutor responsible for law enforcement) and {{lang|ofs|asega}}. In Amstelland, {{lang|ofs|asegas}} were used as part of the legal system until 1388.<ref name=Buitelaar120/>
According to a Frisian legend recorded in the 14th century, twelve {{lang|ofs|asegas}} were originally given the {{lang|la|Lex Frisionum}}, the written law of Friesland, by the god Fosite after Charlemagne had demanded they recite their law and they were unable to do so, having only custom.<ref>von Richthofen, [https://books.google.com/books?id=VEBBAAAAYAAJ&q=Die+Sage+steht+in+friesischer+Sprache+aus+dem+Westergo&pg=PP1 pp. 459]–[https://books.google.com/books?id=VEBBAAAAYAAJ&q=sind+die+Wissenden%2C+die+des+Rechts&pg=PP1 64].</ref><ref>Hilda R. Ellis Davidson, ''Gods and Myths of Northern Europe'', London: Pelican, 1964, repr. Penguin, 1990, {{ISBN|0-14-013627-4}}; repr. as ''Gods and Myths of the Viking Age'', New York: Bell, 1981, {{ISBN|0-517-33644-8}}, pp. 171–72.</ref> This is an indication of the close relationship of ancient Germanic law to religion.<ref>von Richthofen, [https://books.google.com/books?id=VEBBAAAAYAAJ&q=der+Gott%2C+der+es+geschaffen%2C+kennt+es+allein+vollstandig&pg=PP1 p. 493].</ref>
== See also == * {{lang|ofs|Asega-bôk}} * Lawspeaker
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:History of Friesland Category:Society of the Netherlands Category:Law of the Netherlands