The influence of the church on crime and punishment

• What was the Church's influence on medieval society?

  The Church had massive influence, owning a fifth of England's wealth and being the most educated institution.
• Why did people believe the Church was important for their souls?

  People believed the Church was part of a battle for their souls that could save them from damnation and Hell.
• What happened to Jews in England during the 1290s?

  Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or be banished from England.
• What significant change did the Pope order in 1215 regarding trials?

  The Pope ordered clergy to stop organising trial by ordeal, leading to the development of trial by jury in England.
• How was the trial by jury system structured in England?

  It involved twelve randomly selected members of the community deciding the innocence or guilt of the accused.
• What was King Henry II's view on the Church's power?

  King Henry II believed that separate Church courts challenged his authority as king.
• What was Henry II's goal regarding the benefit of clergy?

  Henry II wanted to end the benefit of clergy, which allowed clergy to be tried in Church courts.
• Why were Church courts seen as more lenient than the king's justice?

  Church courts often imposed lighter punishments such as confession, pilgrimage, or apologising at Mass.
• How was the benefit of clergy abused?

  It was abused because anyone could claim to be a clergyman, often by memorising Psalm 51.
• What was a common test to verify if someone was a clergyman?

  A common test was making the accused read Psalm 51.
• What did some churches offer to criminals seeking refuge?

  Some churches offered sanctuary, allowing criminals to swear an oath to leave the country within 40 days.
• What would happen if a person did not leave the country after seeking sanctuary?

  If they did not leave, they would become an outlaw.