This is the first history of mediation and arbitration in England before the Common Law. In prehistoric times, archaeology and genetics provide evidence of assemblies to deal with disputes. From Roman times, documents survive which show mediation and arbitration in practice. A fragment of an award is dated 14 March 114AD. A Wiltshire arbitrator reports in his own words of arbitrating in Alfred's time. A Worcestershire award a thousand years ago could teach today's practitioners new tricks. After the Norman Conquest, a compromise could still be mediated in the middle of trial by battle, one side's champion concealing that he had lost his sight.
Hardback 336 pages, 4 maps, endpapers, dustjacket, 220x140mm
ISBN 9780954405670, £40