How did the french legal system deal with the poor and prostitutes in the 17th century?

Question

Were they treated any differently than criminals?

Answer 1

well both were sent to populate the colonies (North and South America, north Africa,...etc).

It was the same things for criminals who were sent to working camps called "bagne". the most famous is in Cayenne.

Answer 2

Prostitutes were basically either thrown into jails if they were caught enough times or thrown into poor houses if they went mad (often from veneral disease). In the long run, they helped to keep the economy running and were able to influence SOME important political figures.

As for the poor, once again, they were thrown in poor houses or jail, depending on the situtation. They were forced to work for no pay, and often died from diseases, malnutrition, etc. There was no pensions or welfare, so if a poor person was desperate they would often seek refuge in jails just so they could eat.

In the end, at times they were both treated like criminals and overal they were treated WORSE than criminals.