(Ri)
There are some differing categories of kings, which I will cover in the Social Structures
treatment more detailed. Basically this differences depend on how many tuatha are under
the control of such a king, and the honour-price of a king can thereby vary between 7 and
14 cumals (legal term which will be explained later). There are certain legal requirements
for a king, not fulfilling any of these can result in a reduction or even loss of his
honour-price and, accordingly, his status. These requirements are:
King's Justice (Fir Flathemon)
This requirement covers pretty much of the better-known requirements for a king which
frequently appear in the epics. Into this category fall such restrictions as not working
with mallet, spade or axe, always be accompanied by a proper retinue, not defaulting from
ones oath, being able to enforce ones right, of course making correct judgements but also
cowardice in battle (a wound in the neck when fleeing from a battle reduces his rank to
that of commoner except when breaking through the enemies lines and being wounded in the
neck then), physical disfigurement and breaking ones geisi. The well known expected result
for a breach of the kings justice is the rebellion of earth against the king: If he
breaches it there will be infertility and bad natural conditions and political
instability.
Judgment
Obviously a king was required at least to be present in more important lawcases (along
with the bishop and chief poet) and to approve judgements made in such cases, if not
having to judge in such cases himself. It also seems that if a judge refuses to swear in
support of his judgement, the case is referred to the king, so the king seems to function
as the final institution in lawcases that cannot be decided by lesser judges.
Observance of the Law
Of course the king has to observe the law as any other member of the tuath. However, if
for any reason a legal claim arises against the king the king may be represented by a
"substitute churl" (aithech fortha), a man of low rank dependent on the king
which can be legally distrained without affecting the honour of the king. If the king has
no such substitute churl, the plaintiff can still distrain the king, but only through a
very special procedure.
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