Colored caricature etching by James Gillray. “Judge Thumb, or, Patent Sticks for Family Correction: Warranted Lawful!” Pub. Nov. 27, 1782.

In this hand-colored print, Gillray pokes fun at a law that purportedly allowed men to “discipline” their wives, provided that the instrument of violence was no larger around than his thumb. The law was allegedly passed by Judge Buller (1746-1800). However, no proof of this law or of Buller’s ruling exists.
LC 27: 2