How Did Courts Work Under Brehon Law?
Under Brehon Law, the legal procedure of a court case was a formal process that involved various steps. Firstly, the parties involved in the dispute would choose a qualified judge,…
Brehon Law and the Sanhedrin: Two Examples of Successful Kritarchy Systems
Kritarchy, also known as "rule by judges," is a form of government in which judges, rather than politicians or elected officials, make decisions and govern the society. The term "kritarchy"…
The Rise of Democracy in Early Ireland? How Kingship Worked Under the Brehon Laws
Kingship in early Ireland was a unique and complex institution that differed significantly from the concept of primogeniture in other countries. The Irish system of kingship was based on a…
From Cows to Coins: Understanding the Economics of Early Ireland and the Role of Brehon Law in Trade and Commerce
Early Ireland was a society that relied heavily on agriculture, and cattle were the most important form of wealth. In fact, cattle were often used as a form of currency,…
Some Problems with the Brehon Law
The social system under the Brehon Laws certainly contained many elements that were laudable, especially given the context of the time in which they existed and by comparison to contemporary…
IF THE BREHON LAWS WERE IN FORCE TO-DAY – Irish Times 12th July 1934
Below is a facsimile of an article published in the Irish Times newspaper on the 12th of July, 1934, considering If the Brehon Laws were in Force Today. The Irish…
When Ireland Was Stateless (Video)
Podcast interview with Kevin Flanagan, "When Ireland Was Stateless". Hosted by Paul Meany on Portraits of Liberty at https://www.libertarianism.org https://youtu.be/HTcY1NFoU8g
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…