CHAP. II.
The crime which, in legal phrase, is termed that of Læse Majesty, as the death of the King, or a sedition moved in the Realm, or Army[33]—the fraudulent concealment of Treasure-trove—The Plea concerning the breaking of the King’s peace—Homicide—Burning—Robbery—Rape—the crime of Falsifying,[34] and such other Pleas as are of a similar nature.[35] These crimes are either punished capitally, or with loss of Member.[36] We must, however, except the crime of Theft, which belongs to the Sheriffs of Counties, and is discussed and determined in the County Courts.[37] It also appertains to Sheriffs, in case of neglect on the part of Lords of Franchise, to take cognizance of Scuffles,[38] blows, and wounds, unless the Accuser subjoin to his charge, that the offence was committed against the King’s Peace.[39]