Brehon law was replaced by English common law during the Plantations because it was considered old-fashioned and unreasonable. Study the examples of Brehon law and complete the table below.
1. If a pregnant woman wants a piece of food and her husband doesn’t get it, he must pay a fine.
2. When you get old your family must give you one oatcake a day, wash you every 20 days and provide you with 17 sticks of firewood.
3. If a doctor heals your wound but your wound breaks open because of his carelessness you will get your money back.
4. The harp is the best musical instrument.
5. Laymen can drink six pints of ale at dinner but a monk can only have three so that he’s not drunk for prayer time.
6. Couples can decide to divorce on 1 February. Law
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1. Who suffered most when the Brehon laws were replaced? Explain your answer.
Who benefits from this law?
Who benefited from this law being banned?
Do you agree with this law? Explain.
2. Who benefitted most from the Brehon laws being replaced? Explain your answer.
