Medieval & Early Modern Animal Trials
Stuff You Missed in History Class
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Medieval Animal Trials Revealed
This chapter explores the historical reality of medieval animal trials, debunking myths that they were mere urban legends. It also shares listener anecdotes and connects a bear hunting story to the history of Mammoth Cave, illustrating the intricate ties between human culture and perceived animal behavior in past societies.
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There are some parallels between historical witch trials and trials of non-human animals in the same period, with a lot of the same procedures as were used when human beings were charged with a crime.
Research:
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- Frank, Colin. “The pig that was not convicted of homicide, or: The first animal trial that was none.” Global Journal of Animal Law. Vol. 9. 2021. https://ojs.abo.fi/ojs/index.php/gjal/article/view/1736
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