Before the days of modern policing, forensics and mass communication, could people seriously get away with murder by just riding a few towns over and changing their name? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Before the days of modern policing, forensics and mass communication, could people seriously get away with murder by just riding a few towns over and changing their name?

by Nat_Libertarian

jelvinjs7

More can be said if anyone wishes to add something new, but the FAQ has a section on Crime and Proving Identities. You may particularly enjoy:

Prior to DNA evidence, finger prints, etc. how did they solve murders and actually know if they convicted the right person? by /u/WelfOnTheShelf (focused on Roman and medieval law)