Normans kept the system of tithings, the hue and cry and the court system. Law enforcement remained the responsibility of the community.
The Normans introduced trial by combat.
Parish constables were local people nominated by the community. The position was unpaid, and the post would be held for a year.
From the 1250's parish constables would lead a hue and cry, and try to keep the peace. They would also arrest suspects.
Trial by ordeal and combat were abolished in 1215.
Justices of the Peace (JP's) had the power to hear minor crimes in small courts four times a year. They were appointed by the monarch, and were mostly local lords.
The sheriff was expected to track down criminals if a hue and cry had failed. From 1285, he was allowed to form a posse to help him.
Anglo-Saxon punishment:
fines
paying compensation to the victim of your crime (wergild)
corporal punishment
Norman punishment:
increase in capital punishment
breaking forest laws was treated very harshly
wergild system ended, fines were paid to the king
minor crimes punished with public humiliation
The Benefit of Clergy allowed people to get more lenient punishment if they could recite a passage from the bible. This is because the church was more focused on reforming criminals.
Someone could claim sanctuary by going to a church. The priest would report the crime, but the suspect could not be arrested. The accused decides whether they face going to court, or leave the country.