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Theft was historically very scale-sensitive. In England you'd face execution for "grand larceny" if the goods in question were worth more than twelve pence. Thi
by mrec 8d ago
Theft was historically very scale-sensitive. In England you'd face execution for "grand larceny" if the goods in question were worth more than twelve pence. This was on the books from the 13th century until 1832 (!).
- encrypted_bird 8d agoJesus Christ on a pogo stick, execution for stealing 12 pence worth of stuff? That's crazy! Adjusting for inflation[1][2], that would be the same as nowadays being executed for stealing £5! [1] According to https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/education-resources/shillings-to-pounds-converter https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/education-resource..., 12 pence (1 shilling, or 1/20 of a pound)) in the old £sd system is equal to 5 pence (or £0.05) in the later decimal system. [2] According to https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/in..., £0.05 (decimal) in 1832 would be equivalent to £5.02 in 2026 Aug.
- mrec 8d agoWhen first introduced it was around the price of a sheep. The homicidal version of bracket creep [1]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracket_creep https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracket_creep
- encrypted_bird 7d agoDamn, sheep were cheap back then.