What is Brehon Law based on?

Brehon law was the law of a pastoral people, whose economics were based on a self-sufficient agricultural economy regulated by tribal and family relationships and where wealth was measured in terms of cattle ownership. There were no units of money and barter was the main form of exchange.

What ended Brehon Law?

The Irish, who were deemed ‘rebels’, used the Brehon Law instead until the seventeenth century. Under the 1604 Act of Oblivion, the ‘Irishry’ were pardoned for their offences and ‘received into His Majesty’s immediate protection’. By 1617 English law assizes were held twice yearly in all counties of Ireland.

When did Brehon Law end?

17th Century
17th Century The end of the Brehon Law’s authority was signalled by the Proclamation of King James I in 1603, which received the Irish people into the King’s protection. The country was subsequently divided into counties and English law was administered throughout the country.

Did the Celts invent Brehon Law?

Brehon Law is the body of ancient native Irish law which was generally operational in Gaelic areas until the completion of the English conquest of Ireland in the early 17th century. They were first set down on parchment in the 7th century and were named after wanderings lawyers, the Brehons.

What was the focus of the Brehon law?

This focus on arbitration and restorative justice covered everything from commercial law, criminal law, healthcare, the ownership of property, marital and family law, and equal rights. Cattle, pigs, and horses were all units of currency under Brehon law, with milk cows being most highly prized.

When was the first copy of the Brehon law made?

“Brehon,” or “breitheamh,” is the Irish word for “judge” and Brehon laws are the body of Irish legal code dating from the early Celtic period. Passed down orally for centuries, they were transcribed for the first time in the seventh century. There’s even a legend that Patrick himself had a hand in transcribing the laws earlier in the fifth century!

How are fines calculated under the Brehon law?

Justice under the Brehons was based on a well-structured system of compensatory fines, known as “erics.” Fines were generally calculated from a combination of the crime’s severity and the social ranks of the injured and guilty parties.

What was the law in Ireland during the Brehon period?

Regardless, although Irish society under the Brehon Laws was male-dominated, women had greater freedom, independence and rights to property than in other European societies of the time. Men and women held their property separately. The marriage laws were very complex.