The Unwritten Law in Albania

Originally published posthumously in 1954, this book presents a study of the unwritten law of the Albanian mountain tribes.

Margaret Hasluck (Author), J. H. Hutton (Edited by)

9781107586932, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 December 2015

302 pages
20.3 x 12.7 x 1.7 cm, 0.33 kg

Originally published posthumously in 1954, this book presents a study of the unwritten law of the Albanian mountain tribes by the renowned Scottish anthropologist, classical scholar and ethnographer Margaret Hasluck (1885–1948). In recording the legal aspects of tribal life, Hasluck also provides detailed information on the everyday existence of the tribes. Four chapters are given to the vendetta system, describing minutely the obligations of vengeance, the manner of conducting a feud, the degrees of expiation and the ways of ending. Other chapters give information about the daily life of the household; the laws governing the division of property; the administrative hierarchy; oaths, verdicts and penalties; theft and murder. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the writings of Hasluck, anthropology and the Albanian mountain tribes.

Preface J. E. Alderson
Introduction J. H. Hutton
1. The geographical framework
2. The unwritten law in outline
3. The Albanian house
4. The Albanian household
5. The master of the house
6. The separation of brothers
7. The law of the dog
8. Roads
9. Boundaries
10. Pasturage
11. Bajraktars
12. Elders
13. The administration of justice
14. General assemblies
15. Assemblies and their work
16. The oath. I. Oath-taker and compurgators
17. The oath. II. The oath-taking
18. The oath. III. Verdict and penalties
19. Witness (Këpucar)
20. Theft as a crime
21. Murder within the family
22. Blood feud. I. Family vengeance and collective vengeance
23. Blood feud. II. Course of the feud
24. Blood feud. III. Expiator and expiation
25. Blood feud. IV. Peace-making
Appendix. Laws passed at general assemblies, translated from the original Albanian
Index.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]