I was watching the History of Punishment (very interesting, btw) on the History Channel the other day and learned something I did not know. (Hey, that's happened before!)

I think it was during the time of the Inquisition or thereabouts, I don't recall, that they would brand you on the fleshy part of your thumb (palm) on the right hand for your crime. i.e. "T" for thief; "R" for rogue

When you went to court, you were made to raise your right hand so the judge could see if you had done anything before, by looking at your palm. Instant rap sheet! That same exercise carries over today when we raise our right hand in court...

I just thought it interesting and wasn't sure if everyone knew where it started! =D

Kell

That is so cool. Funny how those things start.

I would have never dreamed that this practice actually had a 'reason' at one time. Strange, eh?

Thanks for the history lesson Kell =) I too never realised that there was a reason behind that practice..

I wonder what the judge would have done if a person had a severed thumb...