Community-Built Justice in Medieval Ireland

The chapter explores the importance of following a script to absolve oneself of wrongdoing in medieval Ireland, highlighting the integration of oral traditions into written sources and the significance of reputation (Fama) in determining legal outcomes. It discusses how juries, influenced by social networks and relationships, played a crucial role in determining justice and avoiding execution. The conversation also delves into the somber task of carrying out hangings, the impact of ethnicity on convictions, and the evolving societal attitudes towards executions in medieval Ireland.