Page:The Hardships of the English Laws in Relation to Wives. Bodleian copy.pdf/38

 Obj. II. By the Laws of England, a Woman who has been beat and abus'd by her Huband, may wear the Peace againt him, and if he can't find Security for his Behaviour, end him to Jail.

To which I anwer, Firt, that ometimes this Relief cannot be had, the Huband having it in his Power to lock up his Wife, and o prevent her Complaint, as in ome Caes already cited.

Secondly, That the Conequences of this Relief, (if it may be o called) bring great Hardihips upon the Wife.

I. As it expoes her to the Reentment of her Huband at his Return Home, without abating his Power, which is o great, that he may revenge himelf a thouand Ways not cognizable by the Law.

2. That if he is a Trademan, or a Labourer, he, and her Family depend upon him for Bread, and the Conequence of his lying in Jail mut be, that he, and her Family mut tarve.

Obj. III. The Wife may put her Fortune into Trutees Hands before Marriage, and by that Means ecure it for her own Ue.

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