May

18

Pirate Code

Filed Under Pirate Facts | Leave a Comment

The pirate code would have been the code or set of pirate rules or pirate laws written down and signed by every pirate on board, including the captain. These codes or articles would establish such things as how the share of the booty or treasure would be divided, the punishment for theft, fighting or cheating, the amount of compensation for a lost body part and other laws deemed necessary to keep the ship running properly.

The rules and punishments may have varied slightly from ship to ship but before setting sail every pirate voted or had a say in the drawing up of these articles or codes that each one of them would live by while on the journey. Everyone was required to sign or place his mark upon the articles parchment and then the deal would be sealed with an oath over a Bible or a weapon and possibly a swig of rum mixed with gunpowder.

Pirates are known for creating the first true individual democracy in which every man had a vote or say. The buccaneers established this code in rebellion against their harsh treatment from former countries. Breaking agreed upon rules was dealt with harshly as a means to enforcing their own laws or code.

After some time some captains began writing their own articles instead of an open voting system.

← Previous Page — Next Page →

    Please Spread the
    Pirate Word