s a step towards the tranquil, peaceful and subdued way of life that the English are known for. Irelands Brehon Laws are unique in that they are some of the most liberal laws I have ever seen for that time period. The laws texts were usually generalized into family obligations rather than in individual obligations so that contracts made were between families. The society depended on the family or tribe rather than the individual. It was a must for an individual to be a part of their tribe. The laws set down class distinction and made it quite clear that there were no rights to those that had been exiled from their family or tribe. Although there are class distinctions, the laws are fair and humane. The Brehon Laws clearly state the rights of innocent dependents of guilty parties. There are even such guarantees as barring a witness during presentation that will gain from theout come. Provisions for protection of the weak members of the community are included as well as protection for clients from violent or dishonest lords. People that are criminals, non observers of the law, etcare not given the nice treatment as others. In other words, if you are innocent then you are well provided for but if you are guilty or otherwise not part of the community then you have no rights and will not be treated in an easy fashion.The English were not quite as forgiving in their codes as were the Irish, however. The Roman Law which was in effect for some time during the Roman period was by far more severe than the Brehon Laws. The book, An Illustrated History of Ireland From AD 400 to 1800 makes a statement comparing the Roman law to the Brehon law, saying that, the cruel severity of the law for insolvent debtors, forms a marked contrast to the milder and more equitable arrangements of the Brehon code. The Roman Law rested on the Twelve Decemviral Tables, and therefore on a basis of written law. The Twelve Tables were not the first set of l...
