Legal Definitions - peine forte et dure

Definition: Peine forte et dure is a French term that means "strong and hard punishment." It was a punishment used in the past for an alleged felon who refused to plead guilty or not guilty. The punishment involved pressing or crushing the person's body under heavy weights until the accused either pleaded or died.

Example: In old English law, a person charged with a felony who refused to accept a jury trial could be subjected to peine forte et dure. The accused would be placed under a heavy weight, and more weight would be added until they either pleaded or died.

Explanation: The example illustrates how peine forte et dure was used as a punishment for those who refused to plead guilty or not guilty. The accused would be subjected to extreme physical pressure until they either confessed or died. This punishment was considered barbaric and was abolished in the 18th century.