Animals and even insects could be prosecuted in Europe up to the 18th century, presumably counting as persons. Their crimes might include killing someone or damaging property.
One notable 16th century lawyer, Barthélemy de Chasseneuz, made his name by his eloquent defence of rats that had eaten the local crop of barley. He also successfully defended some woodworm that had disobeyed a summons to court.
Animals and even insects could be prosecuted in Europe up to the 18th century, presumably counting as persons. Their crimes might include killing someone or damaging property.
One notable 16th century lawyer, Barthélemy de Chasseneuz, made his name by his eloquent defence of rats that had eaten the local crop of barley. He also successfully defended some woodworm that had disobeyed a summons to court.