A fascinating look at the lifestyle and values of ancient Ireland Thousands of years ago, Celtic Ireland was a land of tribes and warriors; but a widely accepted, sophisticated and surprisingly enlightened legal system kept society running smoothly. The brehons were the keepers of these laws, which dealt with every aspect of life: land disputes; recompense for theft or violence; marriage and divorce processes; the care of trees and animals. Transmitted orally from ancient times, the laws were transcribed by monks around the fifth century, and what survived was translated by nineteenth-century scholars. Jo Kerrigan has immersed herself in these texts, revealing fascinating details that are inspiring for our world today. With atmospheric photographs by Richard Mills, an accessible introduction to a hidden gem of Irish heritage

An exploration of the early Irish laws that defined everyday life in Medieval Ireland, as well as analysis of their history, influences, and development prior to the supplantation of English common law. First published in 1894, The Brehon Laws is Laurence Ginnell’s handbook for the history of the Irish legal system. Opening with the history of Saxon law and detailing the first written legal recordings, Ginnell enthusiastically informs the reader about the survival of Brehon law from the seventh century through to the seventeenth century when English common law took favour. The chapters featured in this volume include: - Ancient Law - Existing Remains Of Irish Law - The Senchus Mōr - Legislative Assemblies - Classification of Society - The Law of Distraining - Criminal Law - Native, Not Roman Providing insight into Gaelic society and the evolution of law and culture, this guidebook is the ideal read for those with an interest in the history of the legal system. This edition features a specially-commissioned biography of the author.

Cáin Lánamna "The Law of Couples", an Old Irish text dated to c. 700, is arguably the most important source of information concerning women and the household economy in early Ireland. The text describes all the recognized marriages and unions, both legal and illegal, and provides information regarding the allocation of property in the event of a divorce. The text was heavily glossed over a period of several centuries and provides insights into changes in the Irish legal system. This book provides, for the first time, an English translation of the entire text and all the accompanying glosses and commentary. It also includes an introduction to early Irish society, linguistic and legal notes, and a glossary to the tract.

Law and Language in the Middle Ages investigates the relationship between law and legal practice from the linguistic perspective, exploring not only how legal language expresses and advances power relations but also how the language of law legitimates power.