CASE STUDIES

• Trial by Ordeal and Combat abolished in 1215 by Pope Innocent III - People beginning to distrust God and the Church.
• Trial by Ordeal included:

  • Trial by hot water
  • Trial by cold water
  • Trial by hot iron
  • Trial by consecrated bread (clergymen)
• The Church tried moral crimes and did not issue the death penalty. Punishments were more lenient in Church courts, allowing criminals to reform.
• Benefit of Clergy - Not available to women (priests only). To claim, the 'Neck Verse' had to be read as usually only clergymen were literate. Some memorised the verse, though.
• Sanctuary - Offered by some important churches. Priests reported the crime but the accused could not be arrested. After their 40 days of sanctuary, the accused would either have to go to court or leave the country.