You are about to smother your child

You grab a pillow and smother the newborn baby. Having heard the commotion, the gentleman of the house barges into your quarters and witnesses the deed. He grabs you harshly, brings you to the local constable, who throws you into Newgate Prison.

At Newgate Prison you wait for your trial. Fortunately for you, there is only one week until the twice-yearly assize convenes where you will receive your trial by jury (5). Conditions in the prison are atrocious--disease and rat infested. A painful week passes and you are brought privately before the grand jury.

At the grand jury, the gentleman of the house testifies to the fact that he witnessed you smother your newborn baby. The grand jury quickly decides that there is plenty of evidence for an indictment. You will go to a public trial and be tried for infanticide.

The trial goes much like the grand jury hearing. All you are able to do in your defense is plead for mercy. The jury hears the case, presented quickly and efficiently, and then has a brief period of time to reach the verdict. If guilty, the judge awaits sentencing.

There is no standardized judicial system. Sentences are not unified and more than half of the time, the convicted are eventually pardoned. You will find that these same rules hold true on this site. Your punishment is randomized. You might be found innocent, guilty, or you may receive a pardon. After you receive your punishment, return to this page, click the button again, and learn about the other possible punishments.