Synopses & Reviews
In this original reinterpretation of the legal status of foreigners in medieval England, Keechang Kim proposes a radically new understanding of the genesis of the modern legal regime and the important distinction between citizens and noncitizens. Making full use of medieval and early modern sources, the book examines how feudal legal arguments were transformed by the political theology of the Middle Ages to become the basis of the modern legal outlook. This innovative study will interest academics, lawyers, and students of legal history, immigration and minority issues.
Review
"Kim's book...opens a new field and invites people to look at many new issues or revisit familiar ones." Speculum"This book is in many respects admirable. Kim phrases his arguments very clearly. His analysis of the medieval beginnings of alien law is historically informed and sensitive. His comments on the difference between legal and historical thinking have relevance beyond the subject he treats here." Albion"Keechang Kim's perspective makes an important contribution to an understanding of the position of aliens in English law." Law and History Review
Synopsis
An original reinterpretation of the legal aspects of feudalism, and the important distinction between citizens and non-citizens.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; Part I. History: 2. Foreign merchants; 3. Foreign clerks; 4. Foreign religious houses; 5. Birth beyond the sea; 6. Faith and allegiance; Part II. Historiography: 7. Littleton, Rastell and Plowden; 8. Calvin's case (1608); 9. Conclusion.