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Irish Laws

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"Irish Laws" is a delightful little book which cites sayings from the Brehon Laws. For centuries before the reign of Elizabeth I, the Brehons, Ireland's wandering jurists, heard cases and issued rulings settlong disputes. Many of their more interesting and humorous sayings are collected in this book. In it the reader gets a sense of how ancient Celtic societies resolved many of the disputes, the natures of many of which continue on to the present day. Some of the issues presented are humorous. Many of the entries call for fines or prices denominated in domestic animals. Others entries reflect problems which still plague our society. In this book we see that medical malpractice is not a plague limited to our modern societies. One entry holds:

"If the doctor heals your wound, but it breaks out anew because of his carelessness, neglect or gross want of skill, he must return the fee you paid. He must also pay you damages if he himself has wounded you."

Entries such as this reflect the universality of human senses of justice.

This small short book consists of pages, each headed by an illustration with a saying from the Brehon Law written below it.

This book provides the reader with a charming read and an entertaining introduction into our Irish Heritage.