well,
Posted by Caroline on January 06, 1998 at 09:27:56:
In response to Being deported vs. death, written by Peg on January 05, 1998 at 23:59:52
] What crime(s) would be severe enough for a landowner and/or aristocrat to be deported instead of given the death penalty? Thanks for your input--- Peg
1.Crimes were crimes, whether you were rich or poor.A rich man may have influence, but if accusedm he still face the same proceeding and punishment as a pauper.
2.Death Penalties were actually very rare:off the top of my head, treason, highway Robbery( multiple counts) and murder.
Most death penalties could be commuted to deportation, especially if the defendant pleaded guilty. Watch "Moll Flanders"- the good version , with Alex Keaton.On the other hand, deportation was used for fairly mild crimes, like food theft, as a matter of course.
One reason why penalties were so severe is because there was no organised police force to investigate crime- it was up to the local magistrate and volunteers to investigate and arrest people.
This is all from memory... I'll try and come up with some real facts and sources later.
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