10 Most Influential Danish Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

11 min readAug 4, 2024

Delving into the rich legal heritage of Denmark, this article explores ten of the most influential Danish lawyers who have left indelible marks on the legal landscape. From shaping pivotal laws to influencing societal change, these legal minds have played crucial roles in Denmark’s history.

Anders Sandøe Ørsted (1778–1860)
Ole Espersen (1934–2020)
Alf Ross (1899–1979)
Johan Nicolai Madvig (1804–1886)
Carl Theodor Zahle (1866–1946)
Erik Ninn-Hansen (1922–2014)
Inger Helga Pedersen (1911–1980)
Jens Otto Krag (1914–1978)
Knud Kristensen (1880–1962)
Christian Harlang (1953-present)

1. Anders Sandøe Ørsted (1778–1860)

Anders Sandøe Ørsted, born in Denmark on December 21, 1778, emerged as a prominent figure in Danish legal history. His journey into law began with his studies in philosophy and law at the University of Copenhagen, leading to his admission to the bar in 1799. His early legal work, including a notable case involving an escaped slave, Hans Jonatan, showcased his expertise and set a precedent in Danish law regarding slavery.

His career transcended mere legal practice; Ørsted was deeply involved in the national administration. As “generalprokurør” from 1825 to 1848, he advised the government on legal matters and was pivotal in drafting the Constitution of 1831. However, his tenure as a cabinet minister and later as the Prime Minister of Denmark from 1853 to 1854 was marked by controversy. His conservative politics, especially as prime minister, led to his eventual resignation and an impeachment trial, from which he was acquitted but then retired to private life.

Ørsted’s contributions to Danish jurisprudence are significant. He bridged the gap between jurisprudence and practice, striving to base legislation on practical application. This approach marked him as a pioneer in 19th-century Danish legal thought. Besides his legal and political career, Ørsted was a prolific writer, contributing extensively to legal and philosophical journals and leaving behind various works on various subjects, including an autobiography. His literary legacy complements his legal contributions, making him a multifaceted figure in Danish history. He passed away on May 1, 1860, leaving a lasting impact on Danish law and politics.

2. Ole Espersen (1934–2020)

Ole Mogens Espersen, born on December 20, 1934, in Nylars, Denmark, embarked on a career that spanned politics and law. After graduating as a lawyer from the University of Copenhagen in 1959, Espersen’s early professional years were spent in the Ministry of Justice. This legal background laid the foundation for his later roles in government and academia.

Espersen’s political career was marked by his election to the Danish Parliament (Folketing) in the 1973 landslide election, where he served until 1994. Notably, from 1981 to 1982, he was the Minister of Justice in Anker Jørgensens fourth and fifth government. His tenure in Parliament was significant, especially in the context of his legal expertise, as it provided him a platform to influence Danish law and policy.

After his parliamentary career, Espersen returned to academia as a professor of international law at the University of Copenhagen. His contributions extended to the field of human rights, where he served as commissioner for democratic institutions and human rights in the Baltic Sea Council and chaired The Danish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights. Espersen’s work in these roles underscored his commitment to international law and human rights. He passed away on December 4, 2020, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of significant legal and political contributions.

3. Alf Ross (1899–1979)

Alf Niels Christian Ross, born on June 10, 1899, in Copenhagen, Denmark, was the son of civil servant Frederik Ross. His early life in Copenhagen, a hub of culture and intellectual activity, set the stage for his academic pursuits. Graduating from high school in 1917, Ross then studied law at the University of Copenhagen, where he graduated in 1922. His formative years were marked by rigorous academic training and exposure to diverse legal philosophies during his travels in Europe.

Ross’s contribution to legal philosophy was profound. After working in a barrister’s office, he embarked on a study tour through France, England, and Austria, where he met notable legal scholar Hans Kelsen. His time at Uppsala University under Axel Hägerström’s supervision culminated in a doctoral degree in philosophy in 1929. In 1935, he began teaching constitutional law at the University of Copenhagen, marking the start of a significant academic career that would influence the field of legal philosophy.

Perhaps Ross’s most enduring legacy is his work “On Law and Justice,” published in 1953. In this book, Ross challenged the traditional views of law, particularly natural law approaches, with his pragmatic and fact-based perspective. He argued against the a priori validity of legal rules, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and inter-subjective control in understanding law. This work positioned him as a leading figure in Scandinavian legal realism and a key voice in the conflict between legal positivism and legal realism. Ross passed away on August 17, 1979, but his contributions continue to influence legal philosophy and the understanding of law in the modern era.

4. Johan Nicolai Madvig (1804–1886)

Johan Nicolai Madvig, born on August 7, 1804, on the Danish island of Bornholm, embarked on an academic journey to establish himself as a significant figure in classical studies. His education at the classical school of Frederiksborg and the University of Copenhagen, partly funded by Marie Kofoed, laid the foundation for his future achievements. Madvig’s early life in Bornholm, a locale rich in Scandinavian culture and history, likely influenced his intellectual pursuits.

Madvig’s career was marked by his profound contributions to Latin language and literature. In 1829, he became a professor at the University of Copenhagen and later the university librarian. His political involvement, particularly as a member of the “Eider-Danish” party in parliament, led to his appointment as Kultus Minister in the Cabinet of Moltke II and III. His 1851 resignation in protest against the government’s policies showcased his commitment to his principles. Madvig’s role as director of public instruction further underlined his dedication to education and academia.

In the realm of classical scholarship, Madvig’s influence was substantial. He revolutionized the study of Cicero and Latin grammar, and his works on Latin and Greek syntax, especially his Latin grammar for schools, are regarded highly. Despite his failing vision in later years, he continued to contribute to academia, including his work on the Roman constitution and his autobiography, “Livserindringer,” published posthumously in 1887. Madvig’s textbooks, particularly on Latin syntax, remained relevant in classical studies, with reissues as recent as 2001. He passed away on December 12, 1886, leaving a legacy as a distinguished philologist and educator.

5. Carl Theodor Zahle (1866–1946)

Carl Theodor Zahle, born on January 19, 1866, in Roskilde, Denmark, to a cobbler, Christian Lauritz Gottlieb Zahle, and Karen Emilie developed a keen interest in politics during high school. He pursued a law degree, graduating in 1890, and worked in journalism, including for the newspaper Politiken. His early exposure to politics and law and journalistic experience shaped his understanding of democratic principles and legal processes.

Zahle’s political career was notable for its impact on Danish legislation and governance. Elected to the Folketing in 1895 for the Liberal Party and later co-founding the Social Liberal Party in 1905, he played a key role in Denmark’s political landscape. As Prime Minister of Denmark, Zahle navigated through challenging times, including World War I, striving to maintain Denmark’s neutrality. His tenure was marked by efforts to regulate the economy during wartime scarcity and address the contentious issue of Schleswig’s territorial status.

Zahle’s legal and political acumen was further evidenced during his tenure as Justice Minister from 1929 to 1935. His commitment to legal reforms was a hallmark of his career. Although he never returned to the prime ministerial role after the Easter Crisis of 1920, his influence continued as a Politiken upper house speaker and board member. Zahle passed away on February 3, 1946, in Copenhagen, leaving a legacy as a principled lawyer, journalist, and politician who significantly influenced Denmark’s legal and political realms.

6. Erik Ninn-Hansen (1922–2014)

Erik Ninn-Hansen, born on April 12, 1922, had a significant political career in Denmark. Details about his early life, including his upbringing and his parents' professions, are not extensively documented. His education, culminating in a career in Danish politics, notably as Defence Minister and later Finance Minister in the Cabinet of Hilmar Baunsgaard, marked his entry into the public arena.

Ninn-Hansen’s tenure as the Conservative People’s Party leader was challenging, marked by the party’s poor performance in the 1973 and 1975 elections. However, his role as Justice Minister 1980s under Poul Schlüter’s cabinets brought him into the spotlight. His involvement in the Tamil Case, where he was found to have illegally stalled family reunion applications for Tamil refugees, led to significant political and legal consequences, including his resignation from cabinet positions.

The Tamil Case scandal led to an independent inquiry and, ultimately, Ninn-Hansen’s impeachment in 1993, making him the first Danish minister to be impeached since 1910. In 1995, he was convicted on charges of abuse of power and received a suspended prison sentence. Another case emerged in 2007, involving the handling of requests related to Palestinian PFLP prisoners. Despite the controversies and legal challenges that marked his later years, Ninn-Hansen’s decisions and actions in these high-profile cases were significant in Danish political history. He passed away on September 20, 2014, at 92.

7. Inger Helga Pedersen (1911–1980)

Inger Helga Pedersen, born on June 24, 1911, in Tårnborg, Denmark, to Jens Peder Nicolaj Pedersen and Vilhelmine Sofie Kolding, grew up on a farm as one of six siblings. She remained unmarried and childless throughout her life. Pedersen’s formative years in a rural setting and her education at Slagelse Gymnasium, followed by an M.Sc. from the University of Copenhagen in 1936, laid the groundwork for her distinguished career in law and politics.

Pedersen’s professional journey began at the Ministry of Justice, where she worked during World War II and the Nazi occupation, serving under various Ministers of Justice. After Denmark’s liberation, she furthered her studies at Columbia University with an International Study Grant. Her appointment as a judge at the Copenhagen District Court from 1947 to 1950 and as chairman of the Danish Women’s National Council from 1949 to 1950 highlighted her growing influence in legal circles.

Her political and legal contributions were significant. As a member of the Danish Parliament from 1950 to 1964 and as Justice Minister in Erik Eriksen’s government, she played a pivotal role in shaping Danish law. She was the second woman appointed to the Supreme Court in 1964. Her stance against the death penalty, involvement in legal cases, and advocacy for authors’ and artists’ rights showcased her commitment to progressive legal reforms. In 1971, she became the first female judge at the European Court of Human Rights, a position she held until her death on January 27, 1980, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements in the legal profession.

8. Jens Otto Krag (1914–1978)

Jens Otto Krag, born on September 15, 1914, in Randers, Jutland, grew up in an impoverished family, the son of a tobacconist. His early life in Jutland, coupled with the financial struggles of his family, likely shaped his perspectives on social and economic issues. Krag’s educational journey began at a local gymnasium and continued at the University of Copenhagen, where he studied economics. His active participation in journalism and teaching within the labor movement during his university years marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to social democratic ideals.

Krag’s political career was both extensive and influential. He entered the political arena as a secretary for the Social Democratic Party’s program committee in 1944, helping to craft the party’s postwar agenda. His political acumen was evident in his rapid ascent within the party, leading to his election to the Danish Parliament in 1947 and subsequent appointment as the Minister of Commerce. Krag’s support for NATO and Danish military strengthening during this period significantly departed from his party’s traditional policies.

Krag’s most notable achievement was his tenure as Prime Minister of Denmark from 1962 to 1968 and 1971 to 1972. During his leadership, Denmark saw several progressive social reforms, including the extension of compulsory education, unemployment benefits, and accident insurance enhancements. However, his prime ministership was not without challenges, particularly the divisive issue of Denmark’s membership in the European Economic Community, ultimately leading to his resignation. Krag passed away on June 22, 1978, leaving a complex legacy as a transformative yet controversial figure in Danish political history.

9. Knud Kristensen (1880–1962)

Knud Kristensen, born on October 26, 1880, was not primarily known for his legal background but for his significant political career in Denmark. Educated in agriculture, Kristensen was a farmer by profession, reflecting a deep connection to the Danish countryside and its people. His education included time at Frederiksborg University College, Dalum Agricultural School, and Askov Folk High School. In 1907, he became a farm owner, a role he maintained until he entered politics.

Kristensen’s major achievements were in politics, particularly as Prime Minister of Denmark from 1945 to 1947. His tenure as Prime Minister was during a crucial period post-World War II. Under his leadership, significant social policies were implemented, including the National Social Insurance Act of June 1946, which reformed pensions and social benefits, demonstrating his commitment to social welfare and support for the needy.

However, Kristensen’s political career faced challenges. His resignation as Prime Minister followed a vote of no confidence over his enthusiasm for incorporating Southern Schleswig into Denmark, a contentious issue from historical conflicts. This defeat led to his estrangement from the Venstre party and the eventual founding of the Independent Party (Danish: De Uafhængige) in 1953, which, however, failed to gain significant influence. Kristensen’s political journey, marked by achievements and challenges, ended with his death on September 28, 1962. His contributions to Danish politics, particularly in the immediate post-war era, remain a notable part of Denmark’s history.

10. Christian Harlang (1953-present)

Christian Harlang, born on March 2, 1953, is a former Danish lawyer who transitioned into a role as a legal advisor. His educational background includes a cand.jur. Degree from the University of Copenhagen in 1979. Harlang’s early career involved working as an external teacher and examiner at the Faculty of Law at the University of Copenhagen. This academic involvement laid the foundation for his later contributions to the field of law.

As a lawyer, Harlang was appointed to represent cases in the Supreme Court in 1990 and ran his practice from 1982 to 2018. However, his career faced challenges, including several fines by the Advocate Board for ethical violations. In 2018, Harlang’s career took a significant turn when he was declared bankrupt following controversies with former clients over invoicing issues, which resulted in his inability to continue practicing law.

Harlang was notably involved in high-profile legal cases, including representing Iraqi torture survivors in the Operation Green Desert case. Despite the Supreme Court ultimately acquitting the Ministry of Defence, Harlang’s dedication to the case was evident. He continued to represent the torture survivors and complained to the European Court of Human Rights in 2022. His commitment to seeking justice in complex and significant legal matters is noteworthy in his career.