Kanuni I Lekë Dukagjini / The Code of Leke Dukaghini

“The entire essence of the legal code of the Albanians is an unparalleled rigorous respect for this basic principle: non-violation of the dignity of a man- his honour, home and life.”
(Ismail Kadare)

“The ‘Kanun' or Code of Lekë Dukagjini is an extraordinary monument of

Albanian culture, essential for the understanding of all the northern Albanian lands. This magnificent edition, with its authoritative translation of the text, is an indispensable work for anyone who wishes to explore the history and traditions of the Albanian people”
(Noel Malcolm, author of Kosovo: A short History, 1998)

“Certainly the Kanun is an unique document, a codification of practices amounting to law of great historical significance. In addition, it provides the bedrock for the rule of law in Albania even today.”
(Robert W. Sweet, United States District Judge)

For all their habits, law and customs, the people, as a rule, have but on explanation: ‘It is in the Canon of Lek…' as for the laws ascribed to him, the greater part are obviously far earlier than the 15 th century, when he is said to have lived. They probably were obeyed by the unknown warriors of the bronze weapons in the prehistoric graves.”
(Edith Durham, High Albania (1909)

Now available in this dual language (Albanian/English) edition, there is no doubt that this work presents the fundamental customary law employed in the Middle Ages in almost all areas of Albanian settlement. Albanian customary law evolved over a period of many centuries and some of the customs described in the Code may indeed date back to remote antiquity.

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