ANGLO-SAXON CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

1000-1066!

Wergild

A system of compensation in Anglo-Saxon law where a person would pay a monetary value to the victim or their family to avoid blood feuds.

Hue and cry

A public method of summoning assistance in which a community would pursue a criminal, often involving loud shouting and calling for help from neighbors.

Tithings

Groups of ten men in Anglo-Saxon England responsible for mutual policing and ensuring that all members abided by the law, serving as the basis for local law enforcement.

Trial by ordeal

A judicial practice used in Anglo-Saxon law in which a person would undergo a dangerous or painful experience to determine guilt or innocence, with the outcome believed to be determined by divine intervention.

blood feud

A continuing cycle of vengeance between families or clans, resulting from a perceived injustice or murder. Revenge was sought through retaliatory killings, often leading to prolonged conflicts.

role of the church

The influence of the Church in Anglo-Saxon society extended to the legal system, where it played a role in moral guidance, offering sanctuary, and overseeing certain legal proceedings, reflecting the intertwining of faith and law. eg, religious oaths, trial by ordeal etc.

what’s stocks and pillory

given for least serious crimes as a deterrent. pillory- person secured at arms and head stock people secured at feet. placed in centre for days with stuff thrown at the etc for drunkenness etc

explain trial by cold water

thrown into a body of water- if you drown god accepts you your innocent if you float guilty.

the three main beliefs on how laws should be enforced

religion, community (collective responsibility), status

four different types of crime

crime against authority, crime against the person, crime against authority, social crime

Anglo-Saxons strict social hierarchy

kings, nobles, freemen, serfs, slaves

why was crime increasing in growing towns

towns were growing due to increased trade with Europe - more people more opportunity to get away with it also richer places had more valuable items.