Short communication, Note
PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT IN THE FIRST TOWN CODE OF RAB FROM 1234
Đorđe Milović
Grozdana Milović-Karić
Abstract
The document known as Rapski protostatut of 1234 (the first town code of the Town
of Rab) contains several drastic provisions related to physical punishment indicative of
the mediaeval mindset. It is the first written law to be enforced on the island of Rab
under the Venetian rule.
According to the code, the criminal legal procedure practiced the so-called Divine
Judgement and the test of the glowing iron. This practice remained as long as 1281 (we
do not find it any more in the later Rab Code of the 14th century).
Also interesting is a provision stipulating a fine for causing wounds by a sword, stone,
or a piece of wood. In the case when a person cannot pay the fee, however, her or his
right arm should be cut off.
The third curiosity is the provision defining a procedure for women who prepared poisonous
herbs. It is said that not even the glowing iron can "clear" them of guilt. If the
poisoned person(s) died, the poison maker would be burnt at stake
Keywords
town code; history of law; physical punishment; 13th century; Rab; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
101650
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2005.
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