Even though women have no independent legal right usually there are some exceptions to
this rule, most of concerning marriage and divorce. A woman had always some limited
influence on the joint property she shared with her husband and, depending on her status
in marriage, full influence on her own property if she had one, with the only limitation
that the husband could at any time renounce any contract she had made which he considered
detrimental to their joint household, a capacity that a wife had in regard to contracts
made by her husband as well.
Generally, the honour-price of a primary woman (cetmuinter) is half that of her husband,
concubines (all further women) are rated usually at half of that of a primary woman.
However, concubines may choose if they want to be under the legal rule of kin, husband or
sons. A primary wife is usually expected to be of the same social rank as her husband.
Wives had to be bought more or less in Celtic law by giving a bride-price (coibche) to the
father of which the bride gets a share. In contrast to most other early legal system,
Celtic law does not seem to care about bridal virginity, even though there are some hints
that virginity was expected in case of the chief wife.
Divorce was permitted for many reasons, and depending, depending on the kind of marriage
and on who was the one "legally responsible" for the breaking of the marriage
received less or even nothing from of the joint property. Separation without fines or
penalty is also possible.
Additionally a woman has legal capacity in regard to "her" property, she can
give a plead on behalf of another from it (i.e. her embroidery needle, work-bag or dress)
and can also function as a witness in case of problems in regard to her household or
women's jobs like weaving.
Offences by women were cared for by her legal guide, who had to pay any debt or penalties,
while any debts or penalties for offences against her would have to be paid to her legal
guide.
This webpage was created by
|
 |