Orthodoxy and the Courts in Late Antiquity - Tapa dura

H.'s discussion of the way the categories of heresiological thinking were reinforced and even created through legal modes of expression and practice is fascinating... Orthodoxy and the Courts makes its most significant contribution, however, in the way it rethinks the relationship between secular law and cannon law. (Isabella Sandwell, Journal of Roman Studies)

...impressive, well documented monograph (Tony HonorÉ, Journal of Ecclesiastical History,)

Dr Humfress is a brilliant young scholar... Orthodoxy and the Courts is an outstanding interdisciplinary study combining law, history and theology. (Board of the Leverhulme Prize 2008)

a truly important contribution to the study of the legal history of the later Roman Empire (Gregory Halfond, Bryn Mawr Classical Review)

Humfresss engaging book makes an original, incisive contribution to our understanding of the continuity of legal practice in the later empire and to the role of forensic advocacy by Christians in the genesis and elaboration of the distinctions between orthodoxy and heresy that evolved in the post-Constantinian world. (Tony Honore, Journal of Ecclesiastical History)

This fine book...repays close attention far better than dp any number of the proliferating studies of heresy, orthodoxy and authority in late antiquity. (Michael Kulikowski, The English Historical Review.)

...beautifully written and exhibits a breadth of scholarship and depth of insight rarely seen in such a young scholar (Paul du Plessis, Edinburgh Law Review)

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, they also used those techniques in cases involving accusations against 'heretics'- thus defining and developing the concept of Christian orthodoxy itself.