c1000 - c1500: medieval england

Cards (12)

  • 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.
  • Types of trial by ordeal:
    • by hot iron / water
    • by water
    • by consecrated bread (priests only)