The process of compurgation, called WAGER OF LAW in England, was a type of absolution from a criminal or civil charge that enabled the defendant to come forward and swear to his or her innocence or nonliability. Through compurgation, the person on trial was able to conclusively contradict the charges and reinforce his or her position through others who testified under oath that they believed the defendant's testimony.
The use of character witnesses in a lawsuit by a party is derived from the old practice of summoning compurgators to buttress one's case.
User Comments Add a comment…