Asylum

a Greek word designating a temple inclosure within which refugees might seek protection. One who had killed another in self-defense might take refuge from the avenger of human blood in an asylum. If the refugee could make out a good case, the priests were required to protect him; otherwise he was delivered to the authorities for punishment. To violate an asylum, that is, to drag out by force one who sought protection, was an act of the utmost impiety, sure to be punished by the gods.

Among the Jews certain towns were designated as cities of refuge, "that whosoever killed any person unawares, might flee thither and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood before the congregation." Among those who might lay claim to the rights of asylum were slaves who had been cruelly treated by their masters, soldiers defeated in battle and pursued by the enemy, and criminals who wished to evade trial. In the Middle Ages many monasteries served as places of refuge. In days of murder and political revenge instances are not wanting of even kings taking refuge for the remainder of their days. The idea of "asylum, or refuge" originated in a state of society in which wrongs, real or fancied, were adjusted with a strong hand, a society in which established courts were wanting. The Cherokee Indians had a city of refuge on the Tennessee, where the murderer was safe. Even the white man who had taken the life of an Indian was safe "once his foot touched the soil of this city."

In modern times the term has been used to indicate a shelter or home for the needy, as, for instance, an orphan asylum. Most commonly, however, an asylum is a place for the safe keeping and care of the insane. In America each state and province makes liberal provision for insane asylums where the unfortunate are cared for at public expense.

See Inns Of Court; Lunacy; Extradition