CHARLES J. REID, JR. Power Over the Body, Equality in the Family: Rights and Domestic Relations in Medieval Canon Law. (Emory University Studies in Law and Religion.) Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans. 2004. Pp. xi, 335. $30.00
Jacqueline Murray
Charles J. Reid, Jr. provides an introduction to the development of Western legal perspectives on issues pertaining what might broadly be termed family law. The author meticulously traces origins some concepts from their foundations in Roman law through subsequent refinement interpretative lens Christian theology and canon Many modern perceptions individual rights social institutions have developed out innovations interpretations medieval canonists, who worked reconcile principles with beliefs values. In particular, twelfth thirteenth centuries were rich scholars endeavored compile, study, systematize, rationalize law, as it had evolved over a thousand years inconsistent application interpretation. results these efforts provided foundation jurisprudence that endured for centuries, vestiges which are still visible societies. Given depth breadth found way into Reid quite rightly narrows his focus four areas: right marry, paternal power, women, children's inherit. These areas lend themselves Reid's rights-based analysis. He argues all influenced contemporary views domestic life owe much antecedents.
The American Historical Review