Jónsbók is a law book that came into force in 1281 and is named after Jón Einarsson (d. 1306). Jónsbók survives in a great many manuscripts: over 260 are preserved. Some of the provisions of Jónsbók are still in force. This copy was written at Hólar in 1681, on good paper with wide margins; it is neatly decorated with historiated initials and headings in two colours, blue and red. The ornaments at the end of each chapter are often very fine. The two drawings of King Magnús Hákonarson on the pages before the title page may seem naive, but they contain the lion and all the other symbols of royal power. The chapters of Jónsbók focus on land use, tenancy, individual rights, farming, maritime law, marriage and family law, and inheritance law, as well as poor relief and laws on theft.
Click the picture to view the manuscript on handrit.is.