Pages 309-325  ======   ======  Pages 340-356

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325

LAWS OF VIRGINIA, MAY 1732−−5th & 6th GEORGE II.


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LAWS OF VIRGINIA, MAY 1732−−5th & 6th GEORGE II.
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CHAP. VII.
An Act for settling some doubts and differences of opinion, in relation to the benefit of Clergy; for allowing the same to Women; and taking away of Reading; and to disable certain Persons, therein mentioned, to be Witnesses.
I. WHEREAS it has been held, That where, by an act of parliament, made in England before the settlement of this colony, the benefit of clergy, as it is called, hath been taken away from any offences, that persons committing the like offences in this colony, are excluded by virtue thereof; but this opinion, if it were nicely examined, might possibly be questioned: And for settling the law in that point,
Preamble.
      II. Be it enacted, by the Lieutenant-Governor, Council and Burgesses, of this present General Assembly, and by the authority of the same, That where, by any act of the parliament of England, made before the fourth year of the rsp;r of n re d takJhe s, by firstlony, the benefit of cls iteen taken away from any offlony, the sshis at waf encesthe parliamprict ed,4 Jac. 1lonnd taking a of cl adopenamble.
   
     p; Ay, hat wgy,ing ols an quncquessses,for amitting the benmen of clered,ttl onsembly, are exmittwto Wssly, puommitting any o boctetheaki thymaWssed, waacted, has been taken aed, by the parliament of Eng: II. Be it enact An That wki maWssethea convi enamentrom fes colomg ademaWlueng the benmen of thof clerintrtwto byad convi enamenteng the sset eng the like off, uplatat ,prayt ,ed,havefore the benmen in tany, judgttlementdwaCof cl for abd,ed,wto W; Ir>
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