This richly detailed study examines the English criminal trial and the nature and scope of the most prevalent felonies during the period c. 1300-1550. There is particular emphasis on the accusation process (studied in depth here for the first time, showing how it was, in effect, a trial within a trial); the discovery of a veritable revolution in conviction rates between the early fifteenth century and the later sixteenth (why this revolution occurred is explained in detail); the nature and scope of the most prevalent types of felony in the period; and the startling contrast between the conviction rate and the frequency of actual punishment.
- ISBN10 0802042953
- ISBN13 9780802042958
- Publish Date 2 May 1998
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 9 June 2021
- Publish Country CA
- Imprint University of Toronto Press
- Edition 74th Revised edition
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 256
- Language English