Law and Empire in Late Antiquity
Law and Empire in Late Antiquity
This is the first systematic treatment in English by an historian of the nature, aims and efficacy of public law in late imperial Roman society from the third to the fifth century AD. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, and using the writings of lawyers and legal anthropologists, as well as those of historians, the book offers new interpretations of central questions: What was the law of late antiquity? How efficacious was late Roman law? What were contemporary attitudes to pain, and the function of punishment? Was the judicial system corrupt? How were disputes settled? Law is analysed as an evolving discipline, within a framework of principles by which even the emperor was bound. While law, through its language, was an expression of imperial power, it was also a means of communication between emperor and subject, and was used by citizens, poor as well as rich, to serve their own ends.
- The first book in English by an historian on the nature of public law in late imperial Roman society
- Offers a radical reassessment of the efficacy of imperial law - contrary to received opinion, law did work and was widely observed and enforced
- Discusses related issues such as punishment and alternatives to law in the settlement of disputes
Reviews & endorsements
"It is scarcely possible to do justice in so small a space to the wealth and complexity and Harries's erudite and the wealth and complexity of Harries's erudite and provocative book. For anyone interested in social relations; cultures of codification; legal anthropology; networking; governmental power, authority, and its limits; and in the administration of justice, Law and Empire provides a much needed addition and an indispensable tool to further study of late antiquity." Historian
"This is a groundbreaking work, essential to anyone studying late antiquity." Choice
"...this is an outstanding contribution to Roman jurisprudence for specialists and serious students alike." David F. Graf, Religious Studies Review
"This is a truly fine study, compelling both for its careful sifting of the texts and its matter-of-fact presentation. American Historical Review
"This is a truly fine study, compelling both for its careful sifting of the texts and its matter-of-fact presentation. American Historical Review
"Harries has done an admirable job f amassing evidence and opening new avenues of debate regarding the administration of justice in late antiquity. Her study is a valuable and broad-ranging corrective to prevailing views regarding the social, political, administrative and legal realities of the Dominate." The Review of Politics
Product details
January 2005Adobe eBook Reader
9780511037313
0 pages
0kg
This ISBN is for an eBook version which is distributed on our behalf by a third party.
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Table of Contents
- 1. The law of Late Antiquity
- 2. Making the law
- 3. The construction of authority
- 4. The efficacy of law
- 5. In court
- 6. Crime and the problem of pain
- 7. Punishment
- 8. The corrupt judge
- 9. Dispute settlement I: out of court
- 10. Dispute settlement II: episcopalis audientia
- Conclusion.
