Brehon: Difference between revisions

Brehon (Template:Lang-ga - IPA br^ʑehəv^ɤ or br^ʑejuː) is a term for a historical arbitration, mediative and judicial role in Gaelic culture. Brehons were part of the system of Early Irish law, which was also simply called "Brehon law". Brehons were judges, close in importance to the chiefs.

History

Ireland's indigenous system of law dates from the Iron Age. Known as Brehon law, it developed from customs which had been passed on orally from one generation to the next. Brehon law was administered by brehons. They were similar to judges, though their role was closer to that of arbitrators. Their task was to preserve and interpret the law.

The brehons of ancient Ireland were wise individuals who memorised and applied the laws to settle disputes among members of an extended family. Some brehons were attached to clans, and were allotted a portion of land for their support. Others lived independently by their profession. They were recognised as a professional class apart from druids and bards, and became, by custom, to a large extent hereditary.

The preparatory course of study extended over some twenty years. The Brehon laws were originally composed in poetic verse to aid memorisation. Brehons were liable for damages if their rulings were incorrect, illegal or unjust. When one brehon had adjudicated on a matter submitted to him, there could be no appeal to another brehon of the same rank; but there might be an appeal to a higher court, provided the appellant gave security. The ranking of a brithem was based on his skill, and on whether he knew all three components of law: traditional law, poetry, and (added later) canon law.

In pre-Norman times, it was the King who passed judgement, when necessary, following recitation of applicable law and advice from the Brehon.

Several dozen families were recognised as hereditary brehon clans.

Brigh Brigaid

Brigh Brigaid, also spelled as Briugaid or Brughaidh, (flourished circa CE 50, Ireland) was a woman who held office as a brehon, or judge, in Ireland in the 1st century CE. Brigh is mentioned in the Senchus Mór, a compendium of the ancient laws of Ireland, and her decisions were cited as precedents for centuries after her death.

See also

• Mac Aodhagáin
• Mac Fhirbhisigh
• Ó Cianáin
• Ó Cléirigh
• Ó Cobhthaigh
• Ó Domhnalláin
• Ó Duibh dá Bhoireann
• Ó Breaslain
• Ó Deoradhain

References

• O'Sullivan, Patrick (1995). Irish women and Irish migration. Leicester University Press. p. 20. ISBN 0-7185-1425-4.
• "LIBERTY ORDER & LAW Under Native Irish Rule". Technovate.org. September 2006. pp. Chapter 1. Archived from the original on 2013-01-08. Retrieved 2009-08-31. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
• Joyce, P.W. (1903). "Chapter 12 SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC LIFE". A Social History of Ancient Ireland : Treating of the Government, Military system, and Law ; Religion, Learning, and Art; Trades, Industries, and Commerce; Manners, Customs, and Domestic Life, of the Ancient Irish People. M. H. Gill &- Son.

External links

• Higgins, Noelle. "“The Lost Legal System: Pre-Common Law Ireland and Brehon Law”, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University