Legal Definitions - Brehon law

Definition: Brehon law was the ancient legal system in Ireland before it was conquered by Henry II. It was named after the judges who were called Brehons. The law was abolished in 1366.

Example: The Irish people followed the Brehon law before the English conquest.

Explanation: The Brehon law was the legal system that governed the Irish people before the English took over. It was a unique system that was based on tradition and customs rather than written laws. The judges who enforced the law were called Brehons.

King John of England tried to impose English law on the Irish people, but many of them resisted and continued to follow the Brehon law. Even Queen Elizabeth I was unable to fully eradicate the Brehon law from Irish society.