Correct option is B
According to Sir Henry Maine, the stages of legal development can be understood in the following sequence:
1.
Law made by the ruler under divine inspirations (2): The earliest form of law often emerged from the authority of rulers who were seen as divinely inspired. These rulers enacted laws based on religious or divine commands, which provided the foundation for early legal systems. This stage reflects the centralization of power and the establishment of laws that were dictated by rulers with perceived divine authority.
2.
Customary law (1): As societies evolved, the laws imposed by rulers began to merge with existing customs. Customary law, which comprises unwritten practices and traditions, started to gain recognition as the normative order within communities. These customs were eventually integrated into the legal framework, becoming an essential part of the legal system.
3.
Knowledge of law in the hands of priests (4): Over time, the interpretation and application of these customary and ruler-made laws fell into the hands of a specialized class, often priests or religious scholars. These individuals were responsible for maintaining and interpreting the law, which was closely linked with religious doctrine. This stage emphasizes the role of religious institutions in preserving and enforcing legal norms.
4.
Codification (3): The final stage in the development of law is codification. This involves the systematic writing down and organization of laws into a formal code. Codification was essential for creating a standardized and accessible legal system, which could be uniformly applied across the society.
Thus, the correct sequence is
2-1-4-3, corresponding to option (b).
Information Booster
Sir Henry Maine was a significant figure in legal anthropology and history, particularly known for his book
"Ancient Law". He traced the evolution of law through various stages, showing how societies moved from a reliance on divine authority and customs to more formalized and codified legal systems.
Maine's analysis highlighted the gradual shift from informal, religious, and customary laws to formal codification by state authorities. His work provides a framework for understanding the historical development of law from primitive societies to more complex legal systems.
Additional Knowledge
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Law made by the ruler under divine inspirations (Stage 2): This early stage of law involves the ruler creating laws based on what they claim as divine inspiration or mandate. These laws were often intertwined with religious beliefs and were seen as absolute commands from a higher power.
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Customary law (Stage 1): Customary laws developed organically within communities over time. They were based on traditions and practices that had been followed for generations. These laws were not written but were understood and adhered to by the community.
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Knowledge of law in the hands of priests (Stage 4): As societies became more organized, the interpretation and application of laws became the responsibility of a priestly class. These religious leaders were seen as the intermediaries between the divine and the people, ensuring that the laws were enforced in accordance with religious teachings.
·
Codification (Stage 3): Codification marks the formalization of law. By writing down laws, societies were able to create a consistent and reliable legal system that could be applied uniformly across different regions and communities. This stage was crucial for the development of modern legal systems.
