Dale's Code
Dale's Code is a code enacted in 1612 by the deputy-governor of Virginia, Sir Thomas Dale. The code, among other things, created a rather authoritarian system of government for the Colony of Virginia. It established a "single ruling group" that "held tight control of the colony." The word "martial", contained in Dale's Code, referred to the duties of soldiers, while the terms "divine" and "morall" related to crime and punishment. The code prescribed capital punishment for any colonist who endangered the life of the colony by theft or other crimes. Dale's Code remained in force until 1618. Four centuries later, one scholar came up with a theory that it strongly influenced the justice system for decades afterwards, particularly in the governing and punishment of slaves.
