The Vatican, the Crown, and the Demise of the Brehon Law
An in-depth look at the main factors and influences that led to the ultimate demise of the Brehon Laws of early Ireland. In modern times, we often consider the conflict…
How Did The Brehon Laws Handle Mental Illness?
It might come as a surprise to find that the early Irish had the prevention of the exploitation of individuals who suffered from a disability or mental health issues in their minds, but we know this is the case from the research of great scholars on early Irish law who translated the law tracts. Foremost among these living scholars is Dr Fergus Kelly who deals with these topics in his book Early Irish Law, and his article 'Medicine and Early Irish Law'.
Ancient Irish Anarchy and a Culture of Peace
Here's a fresh new interview I gave on Luke Tatum's Culture of Peace Podcast where we discuss early Irish society with an anarchic twist. There's a lot of info packed into…
The Case of Tanistry
First of all, what is "tanistry"? You may be aware that today Ireland uses old Irish titles for leaders of government. For example, the prime minister is referred to as…
The First Judgment in Ireland
“And that, without deceit, is the first judgement in Ireland: so that thence, with very noble judgement, it is the right of his wife against Partholón.” Lebor Gabhála Érenn §30. The First Judgment…
‘Anarchy in Ireland’ on the Peace and Liberty Podcast
Last week I joined Steven Clyde from the Peace and Liberty Podcast to discuss the topic of Anarchy in Ireland. While I know that anarchy (not in the chaotic sense but) as…
Brehon Law Past and Present (Video)
Kevin Flanagan discusses the state of Irish prisons, the state of the State, and how the old ways of the Brehon Laws could improve modern society at this previously unheard…
Brehon Law and the Statutes of Kilkenny 1367
It is one of the world’s oldest systems of verifiable jurisprudence next to the Vedic laws. And these native Irish laws bear striking resemblance to the laws of other pre-colonial…
Ancient Icelandic Law in Reykjavik
At the start of October, I had the dual pleasure of making my first trip to Iceland, where I also got to hear eminent scholar David Friedman's analysis of ancient…
Mná na hÉireann | Women of Ireland in History and Mythology
Were the rights of women really so good in ancient Ireland? You will hear this fact repeated often, but is it true? With a bit of research we find the…