As for more modern times, the example of Tuscany is directly in point, where the duke, after trying for some years the effect of a more lenient system, solemnly records, in his celebrated edict, the result of his experiments:—"Since our accession to the throne of Tuscany, we have considered the examination and reform of the criminal laws, as one of our principal duties; and having soon discovered them to be too severe, in consequence of their having been founded on maxims established, either at the unhappy Crisis of the Roman Empire, or during the troubles of anarchy; and particularly, that they were by no means adapted to the mild and gentle temper of our subjects; we set out by moderating the; rigour of the said laws, by giving injunctions and orders to our tribunals, and by particular edicts abolishing the pains of death, together with the different tortures and punishments, which were immoderate, and disproportioned to the transgressions, and contraventions to fiscal laws: waiting till we were enabled, by a serious examination, and by the trial we should make of these new regulations, entirely to reform the said legislature.