The houses on which
Burglary may be committed, and the circumstances which constitute
that crime being ascertained, it will be better to define
Housebreaking by the same subjects and circumstances, and let the
crimes be distinguished only by the hour at which they are committed,
and the degree of punishment.
(* 33) The offence of Horse-stealing seems properly
distinguishable from other larcenies, here, where these animals
generally run at large, the temptation being so great and frequent,
and the facility of commission so remarkable. See 1 E. 6. c. 12. 23
E. 6. c. 33. 31 El. c. 12.
(* 34) The distinction between grand and petty larceny, is very
ancient. At first 8d. was the sum which constituted grand larceny.
Ll. AEthelst. c. 1. "Ne parcatur ulli furi, qui furtum manutenens
captus sit, supra 12. annos nato, et supra 8. denarios." Afterwards,
in the same king's reign it was raised to 12d. "non parcatur alicui
furi ultra 12 denarios, et ultra 12 annos nato --- ut occidemus illum
et capiamus omne quod possidet, et imprimis sumamus rei furto ablatae
pretium ab haerede, ac dividatur postea reliquum in duas partes, una
pars uxori, si munda, et facinoris conscia non sit; et residuum in
duo, dimidium capiat rex, dimidium societas.
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