Legal Patchwork in a Napoleonic State: Ruling Jewish matters in the Duchy of Warsaw

My research project focuses on the variety of sources of law that formed the Jewish policy of the Duchy of Warsaw (1807–1815). This state, carved out of the Polish lands by Napoleon, was a part of the Emperor’s larger European system. The Duchy – situated at a historical crossroads – struggled to reconcile the feudal society with the nineteenth century’s dreams of progress. Despite the introduction of the modern constitution and uniform codes, many of the old Polish and Prussian laws were still referred to by the state administration, courts, and notaries. This tendency was particularly vivid with regard to the Jewish inhabitants.

The research is driven by curiosity: Why were these mutually contradictory rules so eagerly applied to the Jews? Were minimising change and ensuring social stability the only goals? Since there were many instances in which Jews were treated equally, in what areas did religious difference inspire the use of older laws? Moving beyond a static view, it is crucial to ask how the patchwork of legal sources influenced Jewish experience, as well as social and cultural change: In what areas was social mobility hindered or facilitated by legal plurality? How did the new uniform judiciary affect conflict resolution within Jewish communities? What was the impact of the new legislation on the status of Jewish women, when did it provide emancipatory tools?

The project conceptualises Jewish policy in Eastern Europe from the perspective of legal unity and plurality. It contributes to current academic debates by examining the influence of social beliefs and prejudices on the content of legislation.