Lesson 9: Medieval case - Role and influence of the church

• What role did religion play towards the end of the Medieval period?

  It played a key role in people's lives
• Why did nearly every person believe in the power of the Christian Church?

  Because it had enormous power over society
• Who began to challenge the authority of the Church towards the end of the Medieval period?

  King Henry I
• What was the Church's influence on crime and punishment?

  It was involved in law enforcement and punishment
• What was the role of clergy in local communities?

  They were often the most educated members
• How did the Medieval Church view behavior in relation to the afterlife?

  Good or bad behavior determined heaven or hell
• What was the significance of church buildings in villages?

  They were the largest buildings in a village
• What change did William the Conqueror introduce regarding courts?

  He introduced Church courts in Britain
• What was the Church's belief about corporal punishment?

  It was better than capital punishment
• Why did Kings dislike the Church courts?

  They favored harsher punishments
• Who was the first King to limit the power of the Church?

  Henry II
• What were the two methods that allowed suspects to escape punishment?

  Benefit of the Clergy and Sanctuary
• What was the Benefit of the Clergy?

  Clergy accused of crimes were tried in church courts
• What was a problem with the Benefit of the Clergy?

  Church courts were more lenient than secular courts
• How could someone falsely claim to be a member of the clergy?

  By memorizing a part of the Bible
• What was Sanctuary in the context of the Church?

  A safe place in a church to avoid arrest
• Until when did the practice of offering Sanctuary remain?

  Until the rule of Henry VIII
• What was a problem with the Sanctuary practice?

  Some individuals never left the country
• What significant change occurred in 1215 regarding trials?

  The end of 'trial by ordeal'
• Who ordered the end of 'trial by ordeal'?

  The Pope
• What does the end of 'trial by ordeal' signify about the Church's power?

  The King could not challenge the Pope's decisions
• What had to be found after the end of 'trial by ordeal'?

  Another form of trial