Hi, Gloria.  I have read this proposition a number of times before, always doubted that this rule applied to matters of transfers of land, estates, and bonds, and I surely would appreciate a source for your statement that in the 18th-Century minors could execute such instruments as were here discussed.  They surely could be witnesses in all matter of court proceedings and such as processioning.  

However, I do not see how a court could have permitted such legal actions in light of the ages-old law that prescribed that a minor could, at HIS choice, disavow all manners of contracts, land transfers, or the witnessing of wills or such as this bond.   That said, I would be pleased to correct my views as to the 18th and 19th Centuries, if you would supply us with the sources for your comments.  Thanks.  Paul   
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: [log in to unmask] 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 11:56 AM
  Subject: Re: Age for Witness


  Under English Common Law, which was the practice in the 18th Century
  Colonies, at age 14 males could witness documents - females age 12. At these ages they
  could also: testify in court, select their own guardian, serve as an
  apprentice, be punished for a crime, show land to processioners, sign contracts, act
  as an executor and bequeath property in a will.

  Times have really changed!

  Gloria in MD
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