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Religion and law enforcement in the middle ages - Coggle Diagram
Religion and law enforcement in the middle ages
Norman England
Trial by combat
Used to settle disputes over large sums of money or land
Two people would fight using swords. They would fight until one died or gave up. If one gave up they would be later put to death
Punishment and law enforcement became more centralized
Fewer decisions were made by local communities
Punishments became harsher as a way to threaten people and increase the power of the monarch- showing a change from Anglo-Saxon England.
Trial by ordeal continued
Later middle ages
A small number questioned the beliefs of the church
They wanted the church to be reformed.
The bible was translated into English
The clergy felt threatened.
Heresy laws were introduced in 1382.
Burning at the stake
Severe punishments showed the power of the church
In 1414 JP's were allowed to arrest suspected heretics which highlights the church working together with the monarch
Heretics would first be tried in a church court but if found guilty they would then be tried in a secular court
Anglo-Saxon England
Oaths
Hearings would be in public.
The accused could swear their innocence by taking an oath
People would usually walk free as an oath was seen as God witnessing that what is said to be true
Trial by Ordeal
Would be used when their was insufficient evidence
God was the ultimate judge showing religion was a massive part of law enforcement.
Trial by hot iron
Trial by water
Church courts dealt with less serious crimes such as petty theft
The aim of church courts was to reform criminals so a common punishment was maiming