Meanwhile , an increasing crime rate prompted Parliament to exclude many seemingly minor property crimes from the benefit of clergy .
In 1706 , the reading test was abolished , and the benefit became available to all first - time offenders of lesser felonies .
An increasing crime rate prompted Parliament to exclude many seemingly minor property crimes from the benefit of clergy .
In 1706 , the reading test was abolished , and the benefit became available to all first - time offenders of lesser felonies .