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The Brehon Law
by
Michael Ragan
© 1999


Part 1; Origins

Part 2; Law texts

Part 3; Clan and
social classes

Part 4; Women's Rights

Part 5; Professionals

Part 6; Land ownership
and use

Part 7; Property

Part 8; Legal tender

Part 9; Contracts

Part 10; Distraints
and fasting

Part 11; Summation
and appendix

Part 12; Glossary

divider In addition to Law pertaining to land, other Law pertained to property both movable and non-movable.
 

Non-movable
Non-movable property included buildings. There were laws that dealt with all form of loss and damage caused by another whether willful or non-willful. There were also minimal standards required for certain elements of society. For example, a bo-aíre was required (according to Críth Gablach) to have a dwelling of at least 27 feet in diameter, an outhouse of 15 feet in diameter, a barn, pig-sty, calf-pen, sheep-pen and a kiln.
       Violation of ones house, whether by damage or trespass, was a major offense. To look into a house without invitation could cost a fine of one cow. To cross a persons courtyard or to open the door without permission could cost a fine of two cows.

Movable
Like non-movable property, there were laws that dealt with loss and trespass as well as minimal standards according to social status. Turning to the ocaíre (small farmer) again as listed in Crith Gablach, all items must be owned and not borrowed or on loan. The list includes 7 cows, 1 bull, 1 ox, 7 pigs and 7 sheep. However as Kelly points out, the ratio given of cattle to sheep and pigs is questionable. Archeological evidence indicates that the proportion between species was about 80% cows, 10% pigs and 10% sheep. The Crith Gablach goes on to specify that the next higher grade of farmer must have 10 of each specie plus a bull and an ox.

 

 
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