Why the Medieval Trial of Joan of Arc is of Particular Interest Today [Book Review]

Abstract

Professor Tiefenbrun reviews Daniel Hobbins, The Trial of Joan of Arc (Harvard U. Press, 2005). Hobbins translated into English the original Latin rendering of the proceedings of Joan's trial, and provided an introduction placing the trial in historical and legal context. The review praises the excellence of Hobbins's book, and argues that the trial itself has continued relevance today. The review also suggests that Hobbins's book, and study of the trial itself, would be a valuable addition to a variety of law school courses, including Law and Literature, Women's Rights, Human Rights, Comparative Law, Legal History, and others.

Keywords: Joan of Arc, Daniel Hobbins, heresy, torture, interrogation, medieval trials, legal history, comparative law, Latin, French, translation, Hundred Years War

JEL Classification: K10, K40