Law and Empire in Late Antiquity [Paperback]

Jill Harries (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521422736 | ISBN-13: 978-0521422734 | Publication Date: November 19, 2001

Law and Empire is the first systematic treatment in English by a historian of the nature, aims and efficacy of public law in the society of the Later Roman Empire. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the author offers new interpretations of central issues in the study of Roman law--what it was and how effective: contemporary attitudes to torture and punishment, judicial corruption, and the settlement of disputes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is scarcely possible to do justice in so small a space to the wealth and complexity and Harries's erudite and the wealth and complexity of Harries's erudite and provocative book. For anyone interested in social relations; cultures of codification; legal anthropology; networking; governmental power, authority, and its limits; and in the administration of justice, Law and Empire provides a much needed addition and an indispensable tool to further study of late antiquity." Historian

"This is a groundbreaking work, essential to anyone studying late antiquity." Choice

"...this is an outstanding contribution to Roman jurisprudence for specialists and serious students alike." David F. Graf, Religious Studies Review

"This is a truly fine study, compelling both for its careful sifting of the texts and its matter-of-fact presentation. American Historical Review

"Harries has done an admirable job f amassing evidence and opening new avenues of debate regarding the administration of justice in late antiquity. Her study is a valuable and broad-ranging corrective to prevailing views regarding the social, political, administrative and legal realities of the Dominate." The Review of Politics

Book Description

Law and Empire is the first systematic treatment in English by an historian of the nature, aims and efficacy of public law in the society of the Later Roman Empire. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the author offers new interpretations of central issues in the study of Roman law--what it was and how effective; contemporary attitudes to torture and punishment; judicial corruption; and the settlement of disputes.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521422736
• ISBN-13: 978-0521422734
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,081,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine introduction...highly recommended, October 6, 2000

By 

Scott McDonough (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Law and Empire in Late Antiquity (Hardcover)

Jill Harries' work is a well written and economical portrait of the Late Roman legal system and the Law's central importance to the Late Antique notion of Empire. It complements well the recent more technical works of Tony Honoré ("Law in the Crisis of Empire 379-455 AD : The Theodosian Dynasty and Its Quaestors") and John Matthews ("Laying Down the Law : A Study of the Theodosian Code").

Although at times perhaps over-defensive about the use of violence in Late Antique Roman Law, Harries book generally provides an extremely well-balanced and lucid account of the theoretical and practical functioning of the Late Roman legal system. The book is accessible for beginners (whether interested in Late Antiquity, Roman Law, or, more generally in the functioning of "Law"). In addition, Harries' monograph serves as a useful reference and jumping off point for in-depth study and debate by scholars.

"Law and Empire in Late Antiquity" should be read by all with an interest in Late Antiquity or the history of law. Above all, it is an entertaining read, rich with detail, but with a eye toward presenting the topic with clarity and concision. In my opinion, Harries' book is the best introduction to the topic. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Hopefully it will eventually be released in paperback, although I wouldn't hold my breath...