Duchesne Courier | 1925-11-06 | Page 7 | Old English Law Based on Bible

Old English Law Based on Bible Benefit of clergy was a n privilege once enjoyed by the clergy of England England England Eng Eng- land whereby they were exempted from civil punishment The origin of this exemption is unknown but the custom was probably based on the text Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm I Chron 16 1022 22 Ps 15 Edward I In 1274 extended this privilege to all laymen that could read Such a crImInal criminal criminal crim crIm- inal could not be put to death tenth but was to be branded on the left hand band The first verse of Psalm 50 was chosen as the reading test and hence was known as the neck verse In 1691 this privilege was extended to women The privilege eventually became became became be be- came a dead letter it was variously restricted and finally In 1827 1821 in the reign of ot George IV It was was abolished abolished altogether Kansas altogether Kansas City Star