The Faithful Executioner

So I’m reading this biography on an executioners from the 1500s/1600s when LAW is really starting to become a thing. And it’s a real interesting look into how society developed. I’m still early on butnhere are some historical thoughts. (This is not a book board topic btw, this is an enlightened OT board topic)

Prior to the early modern periods, most laws were designed how to stop blood feuds which would wreck society. But as the importance of the governments grew, the more the governments realized that not fully controlling the legal process left dangers. So many cities created offical posts for executioners.

Being an executioner sucked. They were considered an untouchable class of person. They actually did do pretty well for themselves though. They could be considered middle class. But they were barred from churches and public buildings and holidays and such. Most execution positions passed down from father to son because sons couldn’t get any other work due to the dishonor of their family having an executioner in it.

Executioners were torturers and the legal code was technically supposed to have strict legal enforcement on when torture was permissible. But what was permissible was usually up to the lawyers who would not be physically present. They would listen to interrogations through a pipe . If the executioner wanted to stop an interrogation the lawyers had the right to overrule him and order him to continue.

Executioners were often able to read and write. And they progressed up the career ladder by networking and getting references.

Still early on. There may be a part 2 or 3!!!!