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March 26, 2004

Getting off lightly

Yesterday we mentioned the case of two Scottish teenagers accused of the crime of "violation of sepulchre". Today they were both found guilty and bailed pending sentencing. While they are probably feeling sorry for themselves, they should count their blessings and consider that any sentence they get will be less severe than that decreed by Claudius Caesar...

"Ordinance of Caesar. It is my pleasure that graves and tombs remain perpetually undisturbed .... In case of violation I desire that the offender be sentenced to capital punishment on charge of violation of sepulchre"

And some peachy methods they had too...

"Many have been condemned to the wild beasts for sacrilege, some even burned alive, and others hanged on the gallows." - Ulpian's Duties of the Proconsul (c. 220 A.D.)

.. or, for the lucky ones...

"deportation to an island."

So I guess if they get community service, or some non-custodial sentence, then they should offer a prayer in thanks for moderation.

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Posted by Clive on March 26, 2004 8:10 PM in the category Old Stuff

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