Medieval & Early Modern Animal Trials
Stuff You Missed in History Class
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The Curious Case of Animal Trials
This chapter explores the historical practice of prosecuting animals through formal legal systems in various cultures, detailing the nature of ecclesiastical and secular trials. It examines the philosophical and metaphysical reasoning behind these proceedings, highlighting differing scholarly opinions on animal rights and moral implications during medieval and early modern times.
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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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