Peine Forte Et Dure

English Law: Peine Forte et Dure in the Past

A punishment formerly inflicted in England (see more about this legal system) , on a person who, being arraigned of felony, refused to plead and put himself on his trial and stubbornly stood mute. He was to be laid down and as much weight was to be put upon him as he could bear and more, until he died. This barbarous punishment has been abolished. Vide Mute. [1][rtbs name=”history-of-english-law”]

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Notes and References

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

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