Hundred

English Law: Hundred in the Past

A district of country originally comprehending one hundred families. In many cases, when an offence is committed within the -hundred, the inhabitants tire civilly responsible to the party injured.

Developments

This rule was probably borrowed from the nations of German origin, where it was known. Montesq. Esp. des Lois, ]iv. 30, c. 17. It was established by Clotaire, among the Franks. 11 Toull. n. 237.

Details

To make the innocent pay for the guilty, seems to be contrary to the first principles of justice and can be justified only by necessity. In some of the United States of America laws have been passed making cities or counties responsible for, the destruction of property (see more about this popular legal topic in the U.K. encyclopedia) by a mob. This can be justified only on the ground that it is the interest of every one that property (see more about this popular legal topic in the U.K. encyclopedia) should be protected and that it is for the general good such laws should exist. [1][rtbs name=”history-of-english-law”]

Resources

Notes and References

1. Partialy, this information about hundred is based on the Bouvier´s Law Dictionary, 1848 edition. There is a list of terms of the Bouvier´s Law Dictionary, including hundred.

See Also