In Gaelic law, a 'sanctuary' called a maighin digona surrounded each
person's dwelling. Within this, the owner and his family and belongings
were protected by law. The maighin digona's size varied according to the
owner's rank. In the case of a bóaire (a
free-holder, ranked below the noble grades) it stretched as far as he,
while sitting at his house, could cast a cnairsech (variously described
as a spear or sledgehammer). The owner of a maighin digona could offer
its protection to someone fleeing from pursuers, who would then have to
bring that person to justice by lawful means.
