1650: when England made adultery a capital crime
In short
Yes, briefly. An Act of 10 May 1650, passed by the Rump Parliament of the English Commonwealth, made adultery by a married woman and her partner a felony punishable by death. Fornication between unmarried people brought three months in prison. Brothel keepers faced whipping, branding and, for a second offence, death. The Act lapsed with the Restoration in 1660.
What the full article will cover
- What did the 1650 Act say?
- How were fornication and adultery punished?
- Who was exempt from the death penalty?
- Was the Act actually enforced?
- Why was it not renewed after 1660?
- How did Blackstone later judge it?
Frequently asked questions
- Was anyone executed under the 1650 Act?
- Did the 1650 Act apply to men and women equally?
- What was the Rump Parliament?
- Did Scotland have similar laws?
Sources
- british-history.ac.uk — https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/acts-ordinances-interregnum/pp387-389
- avalon.law.yale.edu — https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/blackstone_bk4ch4.asp
General information, not legal or religious advice.