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.

laws of. A collefction of maritime law promulgated in or about the time of Richard I. in the island of 0,leron, off the French coast, either by Richard or under direction of his mother. It ranks next after the Consolato del Mare.

LAWS OF. A code of maritime laws published at the island of Oleron in the twelfth century by Eleanor of Guienue. They were adopted in England successively under Richard I., Henry ILI., and Edward III., and ara often cited before the adrairalty courts.

A code of maritime laws was island off the French coast, in the twelfth ard I. or his mother, Queen Eleanor.

A small island off the coast of France; anciently of commercial importance. Laws of Oleron. The title of a highly valued compilation of maritime laws, promulgated some time during the twelfth century, from Oleron. For a translation, see 1 Pet. Adm. Appx. and for fuller accounts, see 1 Pars. Shipp. ^ Adm. 9; 3 Kent, 12.