15. The Rat of Autun (16th Century)
In 16th-century Autun, France, a rat was formally summoned to court on charges of stealing barley. When the rat did not appear, its legal defense cleverly argued that the streets were too perilous due to the presence of cats. Amazingly, the court accepted this excuse, highlighting the absurd lengths to which animal trials sometimes went. These proceedings offer a fascinating glimpse into the peculiarities of early legal traditions. Read more
