Lesson 7&8: Late medieval England- Crime, law, punishments

• What was the purpose of the Assize of Clarenden in 1166?

  To improve trials and court processes
• How did the Assize of Clarenden improve law enforcement?

  It made law enforcement more consistent
• Who were the Justices of Eyre?

  Royal judges visiting counties twice yearly
• What was the role of Justices of Eyre?

  To judge serious crimes in counties
• What did Henry II introduce to standardize law enforcement?

  Standardized written instructions for Shire Reeves
• Why was a more centralized system of law and order necessary?

  To manage crime in rapidly growing towns
• What was the population of London during this period?

  30,000
• What change occurred to the title of Tythingmen?

  They were renamed 'constables'
• What is the shortened title for Shire Reeves?

  Sheriff
• What was the Statute of Labourers 1351 about?

  It made refusing work illegal
• How did the Statute of Labourers reflect changes in power dynamics?

  Parliament gained power to pass laws
• What is Heresy?

  Challenging beliefs of the Christian Church
• What was the punishment for Heresy?

  Being burned at the stake
• Who could arrest suspected heretics?

  Justices of the Peace
• What new role was introduced to investigate suspicious deaths?

  Coroners
• What were Justices of the Peace originally?

  Knights sent to control unruly areas
• What was the reputation of Justices of the Peace regarding poachers?

  They were harsh on poachers
• What types of punishments continued during this period?

  Fines, corporal punishments, and executions
• What was the punishment for high treason?

  Hanged, drawn, and quartered
• What does "hanged, drawn, and quartered" entail?

  Strangulation, disembowelment, and limb display