Oaths and Good Governance in European Constitutional History

Research network Oaths and Courts – from Forum to the Future, with support from Lund University Centre for European Studies  

The aim of the workshop is to discuss how oaths are used to ensure a constitutional order. Oaths often define what is required from an independent and impartial judge. To understand the distinctive nature of the judicial oath and its similarities and differences in relation to other oaths, comparisons are needed. Different oaths are relevant, such as oaths of heads of state and ministers to the constitution, and oaths of civil servants in which they promise to perform their duties correctly – to secure good governance.

Program

20th April 2026

•    13.45 Introduction of participants and to our project
•    14.00 Martin Sunnqvist: Oaths Aiming to Secure Good Governance – An Overview
•    15.00 Agne Oseckyte: The Power of Oaths in the Lithuanian Legal System
•    16.00 Concluding comments 

21st April 2026

•    10.00 Mark Rutgers: The Nature of the Oath and the Institution of Law and Governance
•    11.00 General discussion on the role of oaths securing good governance. Moderator: Matthias Armgardt