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Frankpledge System
A system of policing and law enforcement, originating in England, which divided a community into tithings (units) of around 10 adult males, representing their households. Groups of tithings were associated together in wards, or leets. Within a tithing, members were bound and held responsible for one another's behavior. The leader of each tithing was known as the capital pledge, chief pledge, or tithing man. If a member of the tithing committed a crime, the tithing was responsible for producing him for trial in court and vouching for his guilt or innocence.