Orthodoxy and the Courts in Late Antiquity

This book approaches the subject of late Roman law from the perspective of legal practice revealed in courtroom processes, as well as more informal types of dispute settlement. From at least the early fourth century, leading bishops, ecclesiastics, and Christian polemicists participated in a vibrant culture of forensic argument, with far-reaching effects on theological debate, the development of ecclesiastical authority, and the elaboration of early Canon law. One of the most innovative aspects of late Roman law was the creation and application of new legal categories used in the prosecution of heretics. Leading Christian polemicists not only used techniques of argument learnt in the late Roman rhetorical schools to help position the Church within the structure of Empire, but also used those techniques in cases involving accusations against heretics -- thus defining and developing the concept of Christian orthodoxy itself.


Author: Caroline Humfress
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 12/20/2007
Pages: 340
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.60w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780198208419

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