English law. An exemption of the punishment of death which the laws impose on the commission of certain crimes, on the culprit demanding it. By modern statute's, benefit of clergy was rather a substitution of a more mild punishment for the punishment of death. 2. It was lately granted, not only to the clergy, as was formerly the case, but to all persons. The benefit of clergy … [Read more...] about BENEFIT OF CLERGY
B
BERCARIA
In old English law, a sheepfold; also a place where the bark of trees was laid to tan. … [Read more...] about BERCARIA
BERRY, OR BURY
A villa or seat of habitation of a nobleman; a dwelling or mansion house; a sanctuary. … [Read more...] about BERRY, OR BURY
BENEFIT OF COUNSEL
Phrase used to refer to having the right to legal advice from a lawyer, e.g. a criminal suspect who provides a confession who was deprived the benefit of counsel in being not given the ability to call or request an attorney. … [Read more...] about BENEFIT OF COUNSEL
BERCARIUS, OR BERCATOR
A shepherd. … [Read more...] about BERCARIUS, OR BERCATOR