WHEN it became known some time ago that I had undertaken to lecture on the Brehon Laws before the Irish Literary Society, London, one friend congratulated me on the fine subject I had taken in hand, and another on the same day asked me why in the world had I chosen such an uninteresting subject. To these two friends, and the classes they typify, I respectfully dedicate this little volume.
L. G.
Chapter I.—Ancient Law
,, II.—Existing remains of Irish Law
,, III.—The Senchus Mor
,, IV.—Legislative Assemblies
Section
1. Introductory
2. The Feis of Tara
3. Tailltenn and Uisneach
4. The Aenach
5. The Tribal Assemblies
Chapter V.—Classification of Society
Section
1. Introductory
2. Kings
3. Professional Men
Sub-Section
1. Preliminary
2. The Druids
3. The Bards
4. The Brehons
5. The Ollamhs
6. Jurors
Section
4. The Flaiths
5. Freemen Owning Property
Sub-Section
1. Preliminary
2. The Clan System
3. The Céiles and the Land Laws
4. Devolution of Property
5. The Elizabethan Atrocities
Section
6. Freemen owning no Property
7. The Non-Free
Sub-Section
1. Preliminary
2. Bothachs and Sen-Cleithes
3. The Fuidhirs
Chapter VI.—The Law of Distraining
Section
1. Introductory
2. Definition and Scope
3. Distraint by Fasting
4. General Procedure
5. Capacity
6. Minutiae
Chapter VII.—Criminal Law
Section
1. The Book of Aicill
2. The Law Therein Laid Down
3. Capital Punishment
4. The Maighin Digona
Chapter VIII.—Leges Minores
Section
1. Marriage
2. Fosterage
3. Contracts and Wills
4. Artisans
5. Oaths
Chapter IX.—Native, not Roman
Chapter X.—Conclusion
