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Jus Asyli

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the right of protection. From the 4th century, the privilege of asylum, or the right of protecting criminals, was possessed by Christian churches and altars. This privilege had belonged to sacred places among Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans, and from them it may have been adopted by Christians. It seems to have been first introduced into the Christian Church in the time of Constantine; but the right was subsequently much circumscribed by various restrictions, as it was found to be a serious hindrance to the administration of justice. Since the 16th century the privilege has been almost entirely abolished. — Farrar, Eccles. Dict. s.v. (See ASYLUM).