TIL that from 1170 to 1512, "The Neck Verse" could save one from punishment for almost any crime in England. Literate accusees, or criminals who had simply memorised Psalm 51:3, would recite it to claim the "Benefit of Clergy", meaning they would be tried by the much more lenient church courts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_of_clergy
#til #todayilearned
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1gd9s2l/til_that_from_1170_to_1512_the_neck_verse_could/