Oleron

LAWS OF. A maritime code promulgated by Eleanor, duchess of Guienne, mother of Richard I., at the Isle of Oleron, — whence their name. They were modified and enacted in England under Richard I., and again promulgated under Henry III. and Edward III., and are constantly quoted in proceedings before the admiralty courts, as are also the Rhodian Laws. Co. Litt. 2.

See Code, § 25.

OLIGARCHY (Gr. the government of a few). A name given to designate the power which a few citizens of a state have usurped, which ought by the constitution to reside in the people. Among the Romans, the government degenerated several times into an oligarchy; for example, under the decemvirs, when they became the only magistrates in the commonwealth.