Capital punishment in Denmark

Death Penalty laws in Europe

Capital Punishment in Denmark

Capital punishment in Denmark refers to the historical and legal aspects of the death penalty in Denmark. The practice of capital punishment has been abolished in Denmark, with the last execution taking place in 1950.

Historical Background

Capital punishment has a long history in Denmark, dating back to the Viking Age. During this period, executions were carried out for a variety of crimes, including murder, theft, and treason. The methods of execution included beheading, hanging, and burning at the stake.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the use of capital punishment was widespread, and it was often employed for crimes such as witchcraft and heresy. The Danish Code of 1683 codified the use of the death penalty for a range of offenses.

19th and 20th Centuries

The 19th century saw a gradual decline in the use of capital punishment in Denmark. Reforms in the legal system and changing societal attitudes led to a reduction in the number of executions. By the early 20th century, the death penalty was primarily reserved for cases of murder and high treason.

The last execution in Denmark took place on June 11, 1950, when Ib Birkedal Hansen was executed by firing squad for his collaboration with the Nazis during World War II. Following this execution, there was a growing movement to abolish the death penalty.

Abolition

Capital punishment was officially abolished for peacetime offenses in Denmark in 1933. However, it remained a legal punishment for certain wartime crimes until 1978. The final abolition of the death penalty for all crimes was enacted in 1978, making Denmark a fully abolitionist country.

Current Legal Status

Today, capital punishment is prohibited under Danish law. Denmark is a signatory to several international treaties that oppose the death penalty, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Public Opinion

Public opinion in Denmark has generally been opposed to the death penalty since its abolition. Surveys indicate that a majority of Danes support the continued prohibition of capital punishment, viewing it as incompatible with modern human rights standards.

See Also

• Human rights in Denmark
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• Ib Birkedal Hansen
• Danish Code of 1683