Maighin Digona

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.