Gypsy Law

Romani Legal Traditions and Culture

Nonfiction, History, European General
Cover of the book Gypsy Law by , University of California Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9780520924277
Publisher: University of California Press Publication: September 12, 2001
Imprint: University of California Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9780520924277
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication: September 12, 2001
Imprint: University of California Press
Language: English

Approximately one thousand years ago Gypsies, or Roma, left their native India. Today Gypsies can be found in countries throughout the world, their distinct culture still intact in spite of the intense persecution they have endured. This authoritative collection brings together leading Gypsy and non-Gypsy scholars to examine the Romani legal system, an autonomous body of law based on an oral tradition and existing alongside dominant national legal networks.

For centuries the Roma have survived by using defensive strategies, especially the absolute exclusion of gadje (non-Gypsies) from their private lives, their values, and information about Romani language and social institutions. Sexuality, gender, and the body are fundamental to Gypsy law, with rules that govern being pure (vujo) or impure (marime). Women play an important role in maintaining legal customs, having the power to sanction and to contaminate, but they are not directly involved in legal proceedings.

These essays offer a comparative perspective on Romani legal procedures and identity, including topics such as the United States' criminalization of many aspects of Gypsy law, parallels between Jewish and Gypsy law, and legal distinctions between Romani communities. The contributors raise broad theoretical questions that transcend the specific Gypsy context and offer important insights into understanding oral legal traditions. Together they suggest a theoretical framework for explaining the coexistence of formal and informal law within a single legal system. They also highlight the ethical dilemmas encountered in comparative law research and definitions of "human rights."

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Approximately one thousand years ago Gypsies, or Roma, left their native India. Today Gypsies can be found in countries throughout the world, their distinct culture still intact in spite of the intense persecution they have endured. This authoritative collection brings together leading Gypsy and non-Gypsy scholars to examine the Romani legal system, an autonomous body of law based on an oral tradition and existing alongside dominant national legal networks.

For centuries the Roma have survived by using defensive strategies, especially the absolute exclusion of gadje (non-Gypsies) from their private lives, their values, and information about Romani language and social institutions. Sexuality, gender, and the body are fundamental to Gypsy law, with rules that govern being pure (vujo) or impure (marime). Women play an important role in maintaining legal customs, having the power to sanction and to contaminate, but they are not directly involved in legal proceedings.

These essays offer a comparative perspective on Romani legal procedures and identity, including topics such as the United States' criminalization of many aspects of Gypsy law, parallels between Jewish and Gypsy law, and legal distinctions between Romani communities. The contributors raise broad theoretical questions that transcend the specific Gypsy context and offer important insights into understanding oral legal traditions. Together they suggest a theoretical framework for explaining the coexistence of formal and informal law within a single legal system. They also highlight the ethical dilemmas encountered in comparative law research and definitions of "human rights."

More books from University of California Press

Cover of the book A Free Will by
Cover of the book Without Lying Down by
Cover of the book Engaged Anthropology by
Cover of the book Incorruptible Bodies by
Cover of the book Tibetan Diary by
Cover of the book Herbert Eugene Bolton by
Cover of the book Sunset Boulevard by
Cover of the book Lessons from a Dark Time and Other Essays by
Cover of the book Studying Global Pentecostalism by
Cover of the book Jack Benny and the Golden Age of American Radio Comedy by
Cover of the book I've Got the Light of Freedom by
Cover of the book Uruguay, 1968 by
Cover of the book Berenike and the Ancient Maritime Spice Route by
Cover of the book Lost Childhoods by
Cover of the book Green Criminology by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy