Law of Suspects, 1793–1794

The Law of Suspects, passed on 17 September 1793, authorised the detention of people whose conduct, relationships or reputation marked them as opponents of liberty. Former nobles, émigré relatives, dismissed officials and citizens unable to demonstrate revolutionary commitment could all become targets.

Its broad language gave surveillance committees and local authorities extensive discretion. Arrest could arise from political history, social identity or private denunciation, helping prisons fill during the Terror.

I Will Repay and Sir Percy Hits Back use this atmosphere directly. Their protagonists are endangered not by proven acts but by association, inheritance and accusations that officials are willing to treat as sufficient evidence.