THE CASE OF THE GYPSY LAWYER S OMETIMES one's knowledge is based on reasons. The rea- sons give us knowledge.
Full Answer
Although the Gypsy people do not formally gather to pursue an objective, their need to survive as a distinct and isolated group provides them with a common purpose. Gypsy law ensures that the host country's legal systems and cultures minimally influence Gypsy life.
If the matter to be settled is a serious one, such as theft, defaults in payments of debts, acts of physical violence, serious marime' violations, or complicated disputes between two parties, a court is convened. This court is the most important moral force in Gypsy life.
But unlike the gaje who know nothing about Gypsy law, Gypsies are necessarily aware of gaje law.
The Gypsies believe there can be no justice without hearing the matter out to its fullest. Exaggerated claims and ornate stories referring to folk tales and mythology are common. When members of the audience think the witness is not being truthful or responsive, they may hiss or make jokes.
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On the Relationship Between Propositional and Doxastic Justification. John Turri - 2010 - Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 80 (2):312-326.
Its main purpose is to achieve a state of balance, or kintala, that pleases the spirits of the ancestors, or mule'.
Gypsy law acts as a cohesive force serving to protect Gypsy interests, rights, traditions, and ethnic distinctiveness. Gypsy law is self-contained and cannot incorporate rules ...
Although the Gypsy people do not formally gather to pursue an objective, their need to survive as a distinct and isolated group provides them with a common purpose. Gypsy law ensures that the host country's legal systems and cultures minimally influence Gypsy life. Although Gypsy law has sacred aspects that direct Gypsies to lead their lives properly by attaining a state of purity and preventing contamination, it does not advocate imposing its values on non-gypsy. Its main purpose is to achieve a state of balance, or kintala, that pleases the spirits of the ancestors, or mule'.
Each community is ruled by a bandolier, a person who is chosen for his/her age, experience, and wisdom. The bandolier of a Gypsy community is a person who inspires respect by his/her strength and intellingence, a person who by his/her own life sets an example for the other Gypsies. The bandolier settles minor disputes on the basis of his/her mature judgement, and his/her decisions are followed by other members of the community. However, if the matter to be settled is a serious one, such as theft, adultery, acts of physical violence, or complicated disputes between two parties, a court is convened. This court is called the kris.
Each Gypsy group can determine its own form of mediation. Although there are many words for "group" in the Gypsy language, four primary associations can be identified:
While the judges have been chosen because of their personal authority, they are expected to allow behavior that might be considered prejudiced or disruptive in non-gypsy trials. Participation by the audience is expected and encouraged by custom. Members of the audience, although not formally called as witnesses, may feel justified in expressing views. Whether their contributions to the proceedings is based on personal observation or opinion does not matter. Ultimately the judge weighs the value of the cumulative evidence to make rulings. Parties or witnesses will be perceived as credible if their statements have "the ring of truth". A person who can demonstrate in court that he or she has conformed to accepted communal standards may also be considered credible by the court.
Gypsy law is self-contained and cannot incorporate rules of a foreign legal system. The gaje legal system is equally insular so far as Gypsy law is concerned. But unlike the gaje who know nothing about Gypsy law, Gypsies are necessarily aware of gaje law.