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Pleading The BellyPleading the belly was a common defence in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. It was used as a defence in crimes as varied as shoplifting or murder, and even infanticide. Women who claimed they were pregnant at the time they were sentenced to death could plead the belly. Such women were then examined by a jury of matrons, chosen from women present in the courtroom. If they were found to be "quick with child" (if movement could be detected) their punishment was respited until after the baby was born. It was not unknown for a female prisoner to lie with a guard for this purpose. Such a man was known as a "child-getter." The mother was normally subsequently pardoned, due to the cost of caring for a newborn child. Sometimes her sentence was commuted to transportation. References
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