Justice and mercy : moral theology and the exercise of law in twelfth-century England

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Full Title:: Justice and mercy : moral theology and the exercise of law in twelfth-century England / Philippa Byrne
Series Titles:: Artes liberales
Artes liberales (Manchester, England)

Subjects:: Law--Great Britain--History--To 1500
Christian ethics--History of doctrines--Middle Ages, 600-1500
Justice, Administration of--England--History--To 1500
Mercy
Law and ethics
Scholasticism--England
Law
Great Britain--History--1066-1687
Great Britain--Church history--1066-1485

Summary:: This book examines one of the most fundamental issues in twelfth-century English politics: justice. It demonstrates that during the foundational period for the common law, the question of judgement and judicial ethics was a topic of heated debate - a common problem with multiple different answers. How to be a judge, and how to judge well, was a concern shared by humble and high, keeping both kings and parish priests awake at night. Using theological texts, sermons, legal treatises and letter collections, the book explores how moralists attempted to provide guidance for uncertain judges. It argues that mercy was always the most difficult challenge for a judge, fitting uncomfortably within the law and of disputed value. Shining a new light on English legal history, Justice and mercy reveals the moral dilemmas created by the establishment of the common law. -- .
Language:: English
Physical Type/Description:: xviii, 283 pages ; 23 cm.