Medieval Law and Problem Solving: An Interdisciplinary Workshop

A two-day workshop organised by the School of Histories and Humanities.

To register please email phbyrne1@tcd.ie.

We are living through a "global rule of law recession" (World Justice Project: Rule of Law Index 2024, p. 8). At a time when legal principles are under pressure and subject to challenge, this workshop brings scholars together to discuss how medieval law and medieval lawyers attempted to establish norms of practice and procedure. Ranging across multiple legal traditions, and taking a broad comparative approach, participants will consider how medieval law tried (and often failed) to maintain the promise of 'justice'. How did medieval lawyers imagine their role in society--as representatives of state authority or as servants of the community? How did they attempt to resolve conflicts of interest, hold officials accountable, or simply negotiate bad or incoherent laws? How could plaintiffs attempt to access justice in the absence of legal procedures to facilitate their claims? All welcome to attend, and graduate students are particularly encouraged. Contact Philippa Byrne (phbyrne1@tcd.ie) for more information and to register.

Please let us know if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: phbyrne1@tcd.ie