The right-wing extremist has been in custody ever since his attack at a youth camp on the island of Utoeya.
About 30 survivors and relatives of the victims were present at the hearing. Journalists in attendance at the court reported that Breivik seemed comfortable looking the survivors and relatives in the eye.
The killer has admitted to the murders but but denies criminal responsibility, insisting that the massacre was “necessary” to save Europe from Islam and multiculturalism.
Police have attempted to prevent Breivik from appearing in open court, arguing that this would be a platform for him to air his right-wing views.
But Norway’s supreme court rejected the police request on Friday, ruling that his court appearances could be held in public.
Breivik shot and killed 69 people when he rampaged through a summer camp held by the ruling Labour Party’s youth movement.
Earlier, he had planted a car bomb near government offices in Oslo, killing eight people.
Breivik reportedly told the court: “I am a military commander in the Norwegian resistance movement and Knights Templar Norway. Regarding the competence [of the court], I object to it because it supports multiculturalism.”
