The laws and customes of scotland, In Matters criminal. Wherein is to be seen how the Civil Law, and the Laws and Customs of other Nations do agree with, and supply ours

Edinburgh: Printed by Thomas Brown, 1678. [16], 272, 271-581pp, [1]. With initial order-to-print leaf. Title in red and black. Recent red morocco-backed red pebbled cloth boards, tooled and lettered in gilt, all edges red. Lightly rubbed and marked. Book-label of Lord Aitchison to FEP, scattered spotting, occasional early manuscript notes. Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh (1636/38-1691), Scottish lawyer and essayist, his Laws and Customs of Scotland in Matters Criminal was the first systematic and detailed exposition of Scots criminal law. To begin what would be a prestigious and influential career, Mackenzie assisted in the Midlothian Trials for witchcraft in 1661, providing defence for one of the alleged. Later, during his tenure as Lord Advocate, Mackenzie became the minister responsible for the persecuting policy of Charles II against the Presbyterian Covenanters, thereby being held accountable for the deaths of hundreds due to maltreatment following the Battle of Bothwell Bridge - thus earning him the monicker of 'Bluidy Mackenzie'. The tenth article is devoted entirely to the identification and punishment of practitioners of witchcraft, including determining 'whether a witch can cause any person be possest', whether transformation be possible', 'whether they can procure love by their potions', and 'whether Witches may kill by their looks'. ESTC R217758, Wing M167.. First edition. Quarto.