Clergyable in United Kingdom

Meaning of Clergyable

The following is an old definition of Clergyable [1]: Admitting or entitled to the benefit of clergy. Benefit of clergy. Exemption from capital punishment, anciently allowed to churchmen, and, later, to laymen. Originated in the regard princes had for the church, and the ill use made of that regard. In time, extended to the laity, and made to include all felonies. The claimant “prayed his clergy.” If he could read a psalm correctly (usually, the fifty-first), he obtained a trial before twelve ” clerks,” see, in this resource, the term They heardhim on oath, with his witnesses and compurgators, who at tested their belief in his innocence. Abolished in England by 7 and 8 Geo. IV (1827), c. 28; and in Federal practice by act of April 30, 1790. Was part of the common law of the older States.

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Notes and References

1. Concept of Clergyable provided by the Anderson Dictionary of Law (1889) (Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims and an Exposition of the Principles of Law: Comprising a Dictionary and Compendium of American and English Jurisprudence; William C. Anderson; T. H. Flood and Company, Law Publishers, Chicago, United States)