Resent-From:
Dutch-Colonies-L(a)rootsweb.com
Date:
Wed, 26 Jun 2002 22:05:48 -0400
From:
"jerry vandiver" <j.vandiver(a)lycos.com>
<<A Lawyer/Historian friend of mine gave me this guideline when
dealing with English Law of the
17th Century. This has appeared to apply to religious
equivalents as well, I believe
witnessing a baptism would fall under the first age category:
Age 14 for Males (age 12 for females), one could: Witness
documents, Testify in Court, Select
their own Guardian, Serve as an Apprentice, Be punished for a
crime, Show land to
Processioners, Sign Contracts, Act as Executor, Bequeath
Property by Will
Age 16 for Males, one could: Be listed as Tithable, Be Mustered
into Militia, Serve as
Processioners, Take possession of land holdings
Age 18 for Males, one could: Be Licensed to practice a trade
Age 21 for Males, (age 18 for Females), one could: Release their
Guardian ( or @ time of
marriage), Be married without parential (or guardian) consent
Age 21 for Males, one could: Plead/Sue in Court, Own Land,
Devise Land by will, Be eligible for
most public offices, Serve on a jury (grand, petit, coroner),
Vote
...>>