Learn all about Brehon Laws of Early Ireland in this comprehensive and engaging online course.
Unlock the secrets of Ireland’s ancient legal system—enrol today in our immersive online course and explore the Brehon Laws, a fascinating tradition of justice, honor, and society that thrived for centuries!
From the tribal justice of early Ireland to the legal shifts of the 17th century, learners will encounter legendary Brehons like King Cormac, figures like Niall of the Nine Hostages, and concepts like honour price and the Bee Judgments that defined an intricate legal tradition.
Each section features detailed cases, key principles, and lesson outcomes that encourage understanding, analysis, and exploration of Ireland’s ancient legal evolution.
Whether delving into the restitution of wrongs, the enforcement of fasting for justice, or the decline under the Statutes of Kilkenny, this course provides a compelling lens into Ireland’s past and its sophisticated system of law and order.
Through engaging lessons, learners will uncover the origins of Brehon Law, the roles of its guardians, and its impact on family, land, and society, while examining how it balanced spirituality, custom, and pragmatism in a stateless world.
Designed for enthusiasts of law, history, and Irish culture, the course connects ancient practices to contemporary discussions, illuminating the enduring legacy of Ireland’s Brehon tradition.
What you'll get:
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Lifetime Access to a Comprehensive Journey: Dive into a wealth of video lessons and resources spanning the origins, practice, and demise of Brehon Law, with unlimited access to explore at your own pace on any device, plus exclusive external talks and insights.
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In-Depth Understanding of Ancient Justice: Discover the roles of the Brehons, the seven grades of wisdom, and unique legal concepts like honour price, restitution, and fasting for justice, alongside captivating cases like the Judgment of King Cormac and the Bee Judgments.
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A Window into Early Irish Society: Explore how the Brehon Laws shaped family, land, marriage, hospitality, and even Ireland’s first copyright case, while tracing their evolution and eventual decline under external forces like the Vatican and the Crown.
No legal or historical background required—just a passion for Ireland’s past.
Sign up now to gain instant access to this unparalleled course.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, or anyone intrigued by a stateless legal legacy!
What's Included?
Section 1: Early Irish Law
This introductory section lays the groundwork for understanding the Brehon Laws, Ireland’s ancient legal system. It explores the origins and essence of these laws, their significance in early Irish society, and the challenges of studying them today. Learners will gain insight into the foundational principles that governed justice and order, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of this unique tradition.
- Key Topics: Origins of Brehon Law, its role in society, modern study challenges
Section 2: The Brehons
This section delves into the guardians of early Irish law—the Brehons. It examines their roles, ranks, and responsibilities, from the various grades of Brehon to their work as advocates and judges. Learners will explore notable judgments, such as King Cormac’s, and the symbolic “Collar of Truth,” revealing the Brehons’ pivotal influence on justice and morality.
- Key Topics: Who the Brehons were, grades of Brehon, legal agents, famous judgments
Section 3: Legal Manuscripts and Law Schools
Focusing on the preservation and transmission of Brehon Law, this section introduces the key legal manuscripts, major law schools, and influential legal families of ancient Ireland. Learners will uncover the specialized language of Bérla Féini and the revered “Seven Grades of Wisdom,” alongside dialogues that shaped legal education and thought.
- Key Topics: Legal manuscripts, law schools, legal language, education system
Section 4: Restitution and Honour Price
This section explores the core concepts of restitution and honour price, fundamental to Brehon justice. It covers how these principles restored balance after wrongdoing, featuring iconic cases like the first judgment in Ireland and the naming of Cúchulainn, illustrating their practical and cultural significance.
- Key Topics: Restitution, honour price, key judgments, cultural implications
Section 5: Crime, Punishment, Procedure, and Enforcement
Here, learners investigate how the Brehon Laws addressed crime and punishment, from fines like the Éric to procedures like fasting for justice and legal distress. This section highlights enforcement mechanisms and the treatment of bloodshed, offering a window into a system focused on restoration over retribution.
- Key Topics: Crime and punishment, fines, legal procedures, enforcement
Section 6: Contracts, Pledges, and Hostages
This section examines the Brehon approach to agreements and obligations, including contract law, pledges, and the use of hostages. From the quirky “Bee Judgments” to the exploits of Niall of the Nine Hostages, learners will see how trust and accountability were maintained in early Irish society.
- Key Topics: Contracts, pledges, hostages, notable cases
Section 7: Wider Society
Broadening the lens, this section connects Brehon Law to daily life, exploring its influence on money, hospitality, health, and intellectual property—like Ireland’s first copyright case. Learners will also discover how the laws addressed mental illness and revered sacred trees, reflecting a holistic societal framework.
- Key Topics: Money, hospitality, health, copyright, societal customs
Section 8: Family, Status, and Land
Focusing on the pillars of early Irish life, this section covers social hierarchy, women’s rights, marriage, divorce, inheritance, and land ownership under Brehon Law. It reveals how legal principles shaped family dynamics and property, offering a rich perspective on status and identity.
- Key Topics: Social status, women’s roles, marriage, inheritance, land laws
Section 9: The Demise of the Brehon Law
This section traces the decline of the Brehon system, exploring the impact of external forces like the Vatican, the Crown, and the Statutes of Kilkenny. Learners will examine pivotal moments, such as the Case of Tanistry in 1608, and the Gaelic Revival, marking the end of an era.
- Key Topics: External influences, key events, legal decline, cultural shifts
Section 10: External Talks and Resources
Rounding out the course, this section offers a collection of insightful talks and discussions from experts and events, like the Maynooth Conference and the Tom Woods Show. Learners will explore modern interpretations of Brehon Law’s legacy, from anarchy to peace, enriching their understanding of its relevance today.
- Key Topics: Expert talks, conferences, modern perspectives, cultural resonance