Legal antiquities

A collection of essays surveys historical legal institutions and practices, presenting chapters on marriage laws and customs, witchcraft prosecutions, judicial recall, trial by battle and by ordeal, peine forte et dure, wager of law, benefit of clergy, sanctuary, ancient punishments, and quaint wills. The author traces how these measures evolved with changing social standards, warns against impulsive statutory tinkering, and argues for cautious reform that preserves proven customary rules while protecting judicial independence and evidentiary safeguards. The account emphasizes learning from past mistakes to avoid repeating cruel or ineffective remedies.