Show Old English Law Based on Bible Benefit of or clergy was a privilege once enjoyed by the clergy of England England Eng Eng- land whereby they were exempted from tram civil punishment The origin of ot 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 Citron 10 1022 22 Ps ls 15 1 Edward I I In I 1274 ex extended this privilege to nil all laymen that could auld read rend Such a criminal criminal crim crim- inal could not be put to death but was to be branded on the left hand The Tho first t verso of Psalm CO O was chosen as ns the and hence was known as the neck verse verse In Ill Ill- 1091 this privilege was extended to women The privilege eventually bc be came a n dead letter it was variously restricted and finally In 1827 In the reign of George IV It was Vas abolished altogether I Kansas Kansas ansas City Star |