ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines crimes against property such as theft, burglary, or arson. It investigates crimes against persons ranging from assault to manslaughter and murder. The book looks at crimes against public order such as Sabbath breaking, disturbing the peace, disobedience to parents, or fornication. It presents cases in which children sought remedies for physical abuse by masters, employers, or parents, revealing a legal culture that took a very long time to put the protection of minors the right of parents to treat them as they wished. The book also examines the evidence concerning the sexual abuse of children and the development of the idea that children needed protection from sexual predators. Puritan religious ideals originally played an important role in the way the legal system in Connecticut initially treated children.
