Subject
Animals -- Law and legislation -- History Books
Best books
E. P. (Edward Payson) Evans
The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of Animals
"The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of Animals" by E. P. Evans is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the fascinating, if bizarre, legal practices of prosecuting animals for crimes in medieval and early modern Europe, exploring the absurdity and seriousness with which these cases were handled. It investigates the implications of these trials within the contexts of societal norms, religion, and the evolution of legal thought. The opening of the work outlines the origins of animal trials and the varying perspectives on their legality, notably the distinctions made between different types of prosecutions—those for domestic animals versus vermin. Evans introduces Bartholomew Chassenée, a jurist famous for defending rats charged with crop destruction, illustrating the lengths to which legal arguments were stretched to defend these creatures. He also discusses the interplay between secular and ecclesiastical courts in such cases, underscoring the peculiar belief that animals could be held accountable for their actions as if they were human actors in the legal system. Overall, this section sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the cultural and legal ramifications of treating animals as subjects of criminal law.
Émile Agnel
Curiosités judiciaires et historiques du moyen âge. Procès contre les animaux
"Curiosités judiciaires et historiques du moyen âge. Procès contre les animaux" by Émile Agnel is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This work delves into the peculiar judicial practices of the Middle Ages, specifically focusing on the trials conducted against animals for various offenses. It explores how such cases were taken seriously by medieval courts and holds a mixture of weirdness and fascination that appeals to readers interested in historical oddities and legal history. The opening of the book sets the stage by outlining the bizarre nature of judicial proceedings in the Middle Ages, where animals could be tried for crimes such as murder. Agnel provides a glimpse into this unusual legal landscape, mentioning that various creatures—ranging from domestic animals like pigs and cows to insects—were subjects of legal action. He notes the specific procedures that were followed, including the unique circumstances in which animals were prosecuted, highlighting both the absurdity and the seriousness with which these cases were treated during that era. The author aims not to critique these practices but simply to present the historical facts for consideration.
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