The significance of the Privilege of Košice of 1374 in light of ruminations about women’s rights in Poland Cover Image

Znaczenie przywileju koszyckiego z 1374 roku wobec rozważań o prawach kobiet w Polsce
The significance of the Privilege of Košice of 1374 in light of ruminations about women’s rights in Poland

Author(s): Julia Lisiecka
Subject(s): History of Law, Social history, Gender history
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: privilege of Košice; noble privileges; Louis the Great; Casimir the Great; Jadwiga of Poland; women’s rights;

Summary/Abstract: The subject matter of the present article concerns an aspect of the Košice privilege of 1374 which has been hitherto unnoticed by history scholars. In addition to the unquestion- able significance of this act for the development of the noble’s democracy, its gravity is also connected with the fact that it was the first legal act in Poland dealing with women’s rights. Granting of the privilege of 1374 is presented in a historical context by placing this legal event against the background of the situation in the Polish territories in the 14th century, while tak- ing into account historical, political, social, and cultural issues. The legal and social situation of women is also portrayed. The provisions of the Košice privilege are characterized and particular emphasis is placed on the purpose of its granting, i.e. guaranteeing the succession to the Polish throne to the daughters of Louis the Great, and its consequences are delineated.

  • Issue Year: 75/2023
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 161-180
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Polish