The Law of Treason and Treason Trials in Later Medieval France

An account of the theoretical framework, legal complexities and enforcement of the French treason law.

S. H. Cuttler (Author)

9780521526432, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 December 2003

284 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.36 kg

This book presents a balanced account not only of the theoretical framework and legal complexities of the law of treason in later medieval France, but also of the extent and political context of that law's enforcement. By shedding some light on a larger issue - the interplay of law and politics, authority and power - the book contributes to our understanding of the French monarchy's efforts in the crucial fourteenth and fifteenth centuries to protect, extend and enforce its authority. The crown needed virtually all its judicial resources to cope with treason. Summary judgement and judgement by notoriety had largely given way by the fifteenth century to institutionalized procedures; special mention is made of trial by commission and the trial of peers. In the last five chapters the prosecution of treason is treated narratively to illuminate the policies of individual kings. Throughout the book comparisons are made with the English law.

Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The concept of treason in later medieval France: legists, 'coutumiers' and treatise-writers
2. The crimes of treason
3. Jurisdiction
4. Procedure and the trial of peers
5. Punishment, forfeiture and pardon
6. Treason and the crown 1328–1356
7. Treason and the crown 1356–1380
8. Treason and the crown 1380–1422
9. Treason and the crown 1422–1461
10. Treason and the crown 1461–1494
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]