Defamation, 17th Century style

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The Hertfordshire County Sessions, Calendar of the Sessions Books (Quarter Sessions Records 1658-1700), contains the following intriguing entry:

Robert King the elder of Whethamsted with intent to defame William Hinds, Constable, after he had arrested Edward Slaughter, a vagrant, publicly spoke these words “you have done more than you can answer in apprehending Edward Slaughter and you are a rogue and I will prove you one and you dare not have him before a Justice of the Peace”.

However, Hinds did dare.  Unfortunately the result is not recorded. Ed. 

This item was published in the Society’s Newsletter 113, June 2011