Frank-pledge

Members of a *tithing were responsible for each other's actions - if one was fined, all were responsible for part of that fine; thus a potent kind of neighbourhood watch grew up in which the liability to a share of a penalty ensured attentiveness. Members were also obliged to report one who committed a crime. A number of tithings were organised into a *leet or ward. The sheriff held a 'view' of the frank-pledge twice a year, fining those not within it. *Bracton has this to say: 'Every [male] who has reached the age of 12 years must take an oath at the view of frank-pledge that he does not intend to be a thief nor a party to thieving. All who hold land and house, who are called householders, ought to be in frank-pledge, and also those who serve them, who are called followers.' Women could not be outlawed because they were not within a frank-pledge, nor could a boy younger than 12.