Curses as Governance: Historical Perspectives

This chapter examines the historical role of curses as a cost-effective means of governance, particularly in societies lacking formal judicial systems. It highlights the use of divine maledictions by vulnerable clerics in West Francia as a way to protect their property rights against powerful strongmen. The discussion also reflects on the evolution of legal practices, from reliance on superstition to modern secular systems, while addressing the persisting influence of old beliefs in today's judicial context.