Constitutio Criminalis Theresiana oder der Romisch-Kaiserl. zu Hungarn und Boheim &c. &c. Konig. Apost. Maiestat Maria Theresia Erzherzogin zu Osterreich &c. &c. Peinliche Gerischtsordnung
1769elala199Vienna: Johann Thomas Edlen von Trattnern 1769. 1769. folio. pp. 8 p.l. 282 lvi. 27 engravings in the text & 3 folding engraved plates incl. in pagination. woodcut ornaments & initials. full contemporary dark brown morocco lettered in gilt on upper cover: Constitutio Criminalis Theresiana Spectans Ad Antiquam Civitatem Voitsbergensem 1773 Antonius Josephus Schilcher P.T. Judex Civitatis Voitsberga bit rubbed some browning & foxing marginal dampstain to last section containing engravings folding plates dampstained & repaired -1 with some loss of text. Inscribed on front blank: "Mathias SchuemackerSuperioris Austriae Jo. J. Syndrins Voitsberga 1773". First Edition of the famous criminal code of Maria Theresa which redefined torture as "a subsidiary means of eliciting truth". Torture could be applied to obtain confessions only in cases where condemnation would have involved capital or severe corporal punishment. A remarkable publication including graphic illustrations of instruments and methods of torture thumb-screws stocks racks burning candles leg vices winches the Viennese shoe with detailed and precise instructions on their use. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th Edn. this illustrated edition was suppressed by Prince Kaunitz chancellor of state and advisor to the Empress a few days after its appearance. Torture was formally abolished in the empire in 1776. Signed by Authors. 1st Edition. Vienna: Johann Thomas Edlen von Trattnern, 1769. hardcover
