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Show The flrs-t verse of Psalm 50 was chosen as the reading test, and hence was known as the "neck verse." Ia 1601, this privilege was extended to women. The- privilege eventually became be-came a dead letter; it was variously restricted and finally In 1S27 in the reign of George IV, it was abolished altogether. Kansas City Star. Old English Law Based on Bible "Benefit of clergy" was a privilege once enjoyed by the clergy of England, 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. 16:22; Ps. 105:15). Edward I in 1274 extended this privilege to all laymen that could read. Such a criminal crim-inal could not be put to death, but was to be branded on the left bund. |