In the early 18th Century if a female was convicted of a crime that warranted capital punishment, the only escape from that gallows was if she was pregnant. If such a claim was made, a Jury of women was formed to determine the truth. ***
A Jury of Matrons
For such a crime of despicable measure
There is but one sentence I can give
For it is written in His Majesty's pleasure
That you be no longer allowed to live
For Clemency you beg this court
As being pregnant is your claim
If you be hanged then it is wrong
To kill an unborn who is without blame
I listen to your appeal with care
Not wishing to invoke Gods fury
And this I say to be Truly Fair
You will be tried by the Matrons Jury
For they will know the truth of this
Be thee pregnant or filled with lies
Such natural signs they cannot miss
Less and innocent and mother dies
The trial is over, the result is true
To be deported or Hung till dead
The sentence of Death is passed on you
For this morning they say you "bled"
*** This is the only time that women were allowed to take part in the legal mechanisms of trial by jury. At all other times juries consisted ONLY of men.
Poetry by Liam
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Written on 2020-01-27 at 10:53
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