Rogue-money

Rogue-money, an assessment formerly levied on every county in Scotland 'for defraying the charges of apprehending criminals, or subsisting them when apprehended, and of carrying on prosecutions against them.' This tax was first imposed by statute, 11 Geo. I. chap. 26, on the narrative that criminals were in the habit of escaping punishment for lack of the funds necessary to bring them to justice. The freeholders in each shire were directed to fix the assessment at any of the head courts yearly, and to appoint collectors. By 31 and 32 Vict. chap. 82 rogue-money in the shires was abolished, and in lieu thereof power was conferred on the Commissioners of Supply to levy by rate a 'County General Assessment.' By the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 52 and 53 Vict. chap. 50, sect. 11, this power of the Commissioners of Supply is now vested in the locally elected county councils. It is to be observed, however, that the repealed portions of 31 and 32 Vict. chap. 82 do not include sect. 10, which reserves the existing right of any burgh to levy rogue-money.