[calvin sun]

Correct me if I'm wrong , but I think I read somewhere that in the old West, horse theft was a capital offense. Thanks.

[Ohioan]

Correct me if I'm wrong , but I think I read somewhere that in the old West, horse theft was a capital offense. Thanks.

I am not sure whether that was on the statute books, or just the practical result. It does seem fair, though, doesn't it! The idea that a thief has the right to strand an honest man is not tolerable.

William Flax

[Freedom4US]

Correct me if I'm wrong , but I think I read somewhere that in the old West, horse theft was a capital offense. Thanks.

Absolutely. Just how valuable a horse was out there isn't understood anymore. Having your horse stolen meant probable death in lot of circumstances. In general, theft of any kind was dealt with quite severely -- primarily because there wasn't any effective way to lock anything up. Locks only keep honest people honest, anyway. Since everything was wide open and laying around for the taking, you can guess how thieves were dealt with.

[VA Advogado]

Correct me if I'm wrong , but I think I read somewhere that in the old West, horse theft was a capital offense. Thanks.

And I think the bible covers an ox theft with a stoning.

[MissBaby]

Correct me if I'm wrong , but I think I read somewhere that in the old West, horse theft was a capital offense. Thanks

But you still went before a judge. This is a very unfortunate outcome all the way around. The man used very poor judgement. The kid, well, I'm afraid their was a rather severe and unexpected consequence to his actions.