Monday, 18 April 2016

A-Z Challenge 2016: O is for Outlawry

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com
We're jumping back into the legal system for this letter.  Remember 2012's post "E is for Englishry", where if you could prove that the person you had killed was English, you got away with lesser punishments than if the victim had been Norman?  Well, this is similar.

Same time span (1066 to Tudor times): this is what could happen to an outlaw (someone who ran from the law, or even just did not turn up for court).  Anybody could lawfully kill him on sight.  While he was on the run, all his goods and lands were forfeited for a year and a day, after which they went back to his lord anyway.

And get this, feminists: Women could not be declared 'an outlaw', because they hadn't had to take the relevant oath in the Court Leet of the local manor.


© 2016 Ros Haywood. All Rights Reserved
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8 comments:

  1. Dianne18 April 2016 at 07:26

    Interesting! I learn something new every day. Thanks Ros

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ros Haywood21 April 2016 at 22:03

      Fascinating, wasn't it? Gives a new dimension to Robin Hood.

      Delete
  2. Jess18 April 2016 at 18:42

    This is awesome!! So interesting, I'm glad I learned this today! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ros Haywood21 April 2016 at 22:04

      You'll love the 2012 post about Englishry that I mentioned. It's one of those 'shakes head wonderingly' moments. Did they really do these kinds of things?

      Delete
  3. GeniAus19 April 2016 at 02:38

    What was the value of a human life?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ros Haywood21 April 2016 at 22:04

      I refuse to answer that one on the grounds that I may incriminate myself. *joke*

      Delete
  4. Birgit19 April 2016 at 03:43

    Well, one good thing for women. This is interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ros Haywood21 April 2016 at 22:05

      Yay for womenfolk everywhere! (Sadly, it was probably the ONLY good thing that happened back then.)

      Delete

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