Escape of Traitors Act 1572 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
|
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| Long title | An Act against such as shall conspire or practice the Enlargement of any Prisoner committed for High Treason. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 14 Eliz. 1. c. 2 |
| Territorial extent | Kingdom of England |
| Dates | |
| Repealed | 28 July 1863 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1863 |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Escape of Traitors Act 1572 was an important law made in England during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Its full name was An Act against such as shall conspire or practice the enlargement of any prisoner committed for high treason.
This law made it a crime to try and help someone escape who was in prison for treason. Treason meant doing something against the Queen or the country. The law was created to protect the Queen and her government from plots and dangers.
Contents
What Did the Act Say?
This Act made it very clear what would happen if someone tried to free a prisoner accused of treason. The punishment depended on how far along the prisoner's case was.
Trying to Help a Prisoner Escape
If someone planned to help a prisoner escape before they were officially charged with treason, it was a serious crime. This was called "misprision of treason." The person would be sent to prison.
If the plan to help escape happened after the prisoner was charged but before they were found guilty, it was a very serious crime. This was called a "felony." The person could face the death penalty.
The Most Serious Cases
If the prisoner had already been found guilty of treason, and someone tried to help them escape, it was considered high treason. This was the most serious crime of all. People found guilty of this faced the death penalty.
When Was This Law Used?
The Escape of Traitors Act started in July 1572. It stayed in effect for as long as Queen Elizabeth I was alive. When she died, the law ended.
Later, in 1863, the law was officially removed from the books by another law called the Statute Law Revision Act 1863. This often happens when old laws are no longer needed.
See also
- Treason Act 1423
