[29] “On these last words,” says Lord Littleton, “I would observe, that, as in those days there was no distinct Court of Equity, the Judges of the King’s Court had probably a power of mitigating in some cases the rigour of the Law.” (Hist. of Life Hen. 2. Vol. 3. p. 315. Oct. Ed.) A strong instance in point the Reader will find in L. 7. c. 1. or the present Translation p. 149.
[30] This principle, the very basis of despotism occurs in the Roman code. (Justin. Instit. L. 1. t. 2. s. 6.) It may very justly be questioned, whether it is not here cited ironically. At all events, the passage of our text can scarcely warrant the conclusion the celebrated M. Houard has drawn from it. But the Reader shall have his own words—Le Texte de notre Auteur prouve qu’après la conquête, les Anglois reçurent, de Guillaume le Bâtard, les mêmes Maximes que nous avions jusques-là suivies, a l’égard du Droit exclusif, que nos Rois avoient toujours exercé, de faire les Loix. (Traités sur les coutumes Anglo-Normandes par M. Houard. 1. 378.)
[31] “Now, as out of the old Fields must come the new corn, so our old Books do excellently expound and express this matter, as the Law is holden at this day; and, therefore, Glanville saith, Placitorum aliud est criminale, aliud Civile, where Placitum criminale is Placitum coronæ, and Placitum civile, Placitum commune, named in this Statute.” (Magna Carta.) (Vide 2 Inst. 21.)
[32] LL. Æthelbyrti, c. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. &c. (Al. MS.)
[33] “The Committers of these Crimes,” says the Regiam Majestatem, “may be punished not only for any fact or deed, but also for the intent and purpose.” (Reg. Maj. L. 1. c. 1.)
[34] Crimen falsi, an expression borrowed from the Civil Law. (Vide Justin. Inst. 4. 18. 7. &c.) Our author explains its import, L. 14. c. 7.
[35] Cap. 2. Hengham Magna, c. 2. p. 7. LL. Canuti R. secul. c. 61. et Somneri Gloss. in voce emenda. (Al. MS.)
The Law of Canute alluded to, is in these words: Irruptio in domum et incendium et furtum manifestum et cædes publica et domini proditio juxta leges humanas sunt inexpiabilia. (Vide LL. Anglo-Saxon. Ed. Wilkins, p. 143.)
[36] Among the Laws of Canute, are some inflicting the punishment of loss of members. (LL. Canuti, c. 15. 33. &c.)
From hence it has been inferred, that Canute first introduced this species of punishment into England.