7. The Cow of France (1314)
In 1314, a cow in Normandy, France, was tried, convicted, and publicly executed for the murder of a man. Medieval legal codes treated animals much like people, holding them accountable for deadly actions. The cow’s execution served not only as punishment but also as a warning to others, underscoring the seriousness with which such cases were regarded. This episode reveals how the law once sought to extend its authority even over livestock. Read more
