Adomnán's 'Law of the Innocents' = Cáin Adomnáin: A Seventh Century Law for the Protection of Non-Combatants

by Adomnán of Iona, Gilbert Márkus (Translator)

In the year 697 AD the ninth abbot of Iona, Adomnán mac Rónáin, devised and promulgated the Law of Innocents - 'the first law in heaven and earth for the protection of women.' Enforced by dozens of kings, bishops and abbots in Ireland, Scotland and Pictland, this law is the precursor of the Geneva Convention, the UN Declaration on Human Rights. It is an early sign in these islands of the fundamental Christian vocation to stand alongside the weak and the vulnerable, to oppose injustice and oppression. The original Gaelic and Latin text of the Law of the Innocents is translated here in full, together with its prologue and an introduction"

26 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 697

About the author

Adomnán or Adamnán of Iona (c. 624–704), also known as Eunan (from Irish: Naomh Adhamhnán), was an abbot of Iona Abbey (r. 679–704), hagiographer, statesman, canon jurist, and saint. He was the author of the most important book on the life of his cousin St. Columba and the promulgator of the Law of Adomnán or Law of Innocents (Latin: Lex Innocentium).