The Brehon Laws: A Legal Handbook

by Laurence Ginnell

Compiled by scribes as early as the seventh century, Ireland’s early system of laws — better known as the Brehon laws — give an invaluable insight into Irish society as it was transitioning from pagan to Christian. Existing in oral form long before they were written down, the laws were updated and adapted over time as Ireland's social and political landscape evolved, until they were eventually supplanted by the English legal system in the seventeenth century.

An author, politician, and Irish lawyer of the early twentieth century, Laurence Ginnell presents a comprehensive and critical study of Ireland’s native laws throughout the ages, detailing their unique and often surprisingly forward-thinking attitudes for their day. This handbook is a fascinating read and a must-have for any legal or social historian.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Drew Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat little primer on Ancient Irish law. I wish the author went more in depth into the substance of actual laws, but this is definitely a product of its time.

[David H. Millar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old text and a fascinating history on the Brehon (or Irish) Laws.