Irish Penal Codes by Corbin Shepherd

Irish Penal Codes examines the severe laws enforced upon Irish Catholics during British rule, revealing both the explicit goal of control and the lasting impact on Ireland's political and social structure. Delving into Anglo-Irish relations, the book argues that these laws were a sustained attack on Irish Catholic identity, stripping people of land, religion, and political voice.

The Penal Laws, designed to suppress the Catholic population, paradoxically fueled nationalist sentiment and left a lasting impact on Irish society. The book progresses systematically, categorizing the laws by their targets—land ownership, religious practice, and education—and then exploring their socio-economic impact, illustrating how they impoverished families and created social stratification.

It further details the repercussions on Irish culture and analyzes the laws’ lasting impact on Irish nationalism and sectarianism. By using original legal documents and contemporary accounts, Irish Penal Codes provides a fresh perspective on discriminatory legislation and its long-term consequences, offering valuable insights into Irish history and the legacy of British rule.