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The Claim:
The injured party brought claim before the Brehon, stating the injury and demanded compensation. This required witnesses—the claim had to be credible, supported by evidence or testimony.
The Response:
The accused responded—admitting fault and offering compensation, or denying the claim and providing counter-evidence. This too required witnesses and supporting testimony.
The Judgment:
The Brehon heard both sides, questioned witnesses, cited relevant law and precedent, and pronounced judgment. This was public—the community attended, heard the arguments, witnessed the decision.
The Enforcement:
If the losing party paid the compensation, the matter was settled. If they refused, social pressure intensified—public shaming, withdrawal of community support, potential outlawry if the defiance was serious enough.
The Brehon had no police force to enforce judgments, but the community did. Persistent law-breakers found themselves isolated, unable to trade, denied hospitality, eventually forced to leave or submit.
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