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MEDIEVAL HISTORY PART 1 (Anglo Saxons (Punishments (the wergild was paid…
MEDIEVAL HISTORY PART 1
Anglo Saxons
Community
worked to enforce crime using the 'hue and cry'. This was a shout for help when they found a criminal.
Tithings were also used - 10 adult men were grouped and if one committed a crime, the others were responsible for bringing him to justice. If they failed, they were punished
Church
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mainly helped to enforce - by oaths and trials by ordeal. using the former, most men walked free. The latter was a form of enforcement, not punishment and was thought to be God's judgement. Examples include: trial by water and by burning rod.
King
the king didn't do as much but was the most respected. thus, the crimes against authority and treason were punished most harshly
Punishments
-
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stocks or pillory which was a form of public humiliation - in full view of the community often for days
Normans + William
after 1066, and William's success in the Battle of Hastings, he needed to make laws harsher
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Murdrum fines
a large sum of money given to any Anglo-Saxon who killed a Norman, to establish control
Forest Laws
these meant that land formerly for peasants to graze animals, take firewood and hunt was now controlled by the king. Poaching and otherwise using the land was punished capitally/corporally. This was a 'social crime'
Feudal System
this meant that everyone owed money to the class above them, with the king at the top
Outlaws
men over 14 who evaded trial or punishment, they could be killed with no legal consequence. They sometimes formed gangs to commit serious crimes
The Middle Ages
Changing Enforcement
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Justices of the Peace
An act of 1327 appointed 'good and lawful men' to 'guard the peace' in every area. They became known as Justices of the Peace (JPs) in 1361
the enforcement is not just down to the community anymore, although they still take part with the hue and cry and tithings
Changing Crime and Laws
Heresy
became a crime in the 13th and 14th centuries as some questioned Christianity and wanted to reform the church. Severe punishment, burnt at the stake to purify
Henry II
became king in 1154 and reorganised the courts so they were more centralised. He also set up prisons to hold those awaiting trial - it was not yet a punishment
The Black Death
killed a third of the English people so peasants demanded higher wages. In 1351, a max wage was passed for workers
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The Church
became very influential and wealthy because they were thought to be ultimately fair as they were guided by God
Trial by Ordeal ended in 1215 because the Pope favoured Trial by Jury - similar to what we have today. They also began trial by consecrated bread and the power of Sanctuary. The latter entailed the accused taking an oath to leave the country within 40 days - avoiding punishment.
Church Courts were corrupt due to the Benefit of the Clergy - people could read the 'neck verse' and avoid punsihment