In Laug, slaegt og stat (Guild, Family and State), Lino Vogt focuses on a series of special laws which were introduced by the local authorities at the end of the 13th century. The purpose of these laws - which were directly directed towards several of these families -- has been eagerly debated by historians. Were they expressions of a class struggle? Of a strengthening of governmental authority? Or were they just another weapon in the disputes between the fractions? This publication is simultaneously an introduction and a contribution to the debate.