Medieval Crime and Punishment

What was the murdrum laws? (crime)

If a Norman was murdered and the killer not found, the whole community paid a heavy fine.

What was the forest laws? (crime)

Made cutting wood, hunting, or owning dogs illegal in royal forests; protected land for the king.

What was Heresy? (crime)

Holding religious beliefs different from the Church; punished by burning from 1401.

What was Tithings? (law enforcemet)

Groups of 10 men responsible for each other’s behaviour; if one broke the law, others had to bring him to court.

What was the hue and cry? (law enforcement)

When a victim or witness shouted, the whole community had to chase and catch the criminal.

What was trial by local jury? (law enforcement)

A jury of local men who knew the accused decided guilt.

What was trial by ordeal? (law enforcement)

God was asked to judge guilt by tests like hot iron, cold water, or blessed bread.

What were castles? - norman (law enforcemnet)

Built across England to show power and enforce Norman control

What were foresters? (law enforcement)

Officials who policed the forest laws; unpopular with peasants.

What was the parish constable?

A local man responsible for law enforcement from the 13th century; unpaid role.

What was the Justices in Eyre? (law enforcement)

Royal judges who travelled the country hearing serious cases.

What were church courts? (law enforcement)

Special courts run by the Church; dealt with moral crimes and clergy.

What was the benefit of the clergy? (law enforcement)

Right of churchmen to be tried in church courts instead of royal courts.

What was sanctury? (law enforcement)

If criminals fled to a church, they could not be arrested immediately; they had 40 days to leave the country.

When was the end of trial by ordeal and why did it end?

(1215) – Pope banned it; replaced by jury trials.

What was the wergild? (punishment)

A fine paid to the victim’s family; amount depended on social status.

What was corporal punishment? (punishment)

Physical punishments such as beating, maiming, or mutilation.

What was capital punishment? (punishment)

Execution, usually by hanging.

What was stocks and pillory (punishment)

Public humiliation punishment; criminals locked in wooden frames.

What were Fines to the king (Norman change)? (punishment)

After 1066, fines went to the king instead of victims’ families.

What was mutilation - norman ? (punishment)

Cutting off body parts to deter repeat offences.

What was execution? (punishment)

Death penalty, often public, used to deter crime.

What was burning at the stake? (punishment)

Execution by fire, punishment for heresy after 1401.

What was hanging for treason? (punishment)

Harsh punishment for betraying the monarch.

What was trial by ordeal (role of the church)

Religious trials to let God decide guilt.

What were church courts? (role of the church)

Tried moral crimes (adultery, drunkenness, not attending church).

What was the benefit of the clergy (role of the church)

Clergymen (and sometimes literate men) claimed trial in church courts, usually more lenient.

What was sanctuary? (role of the church)

Church protection for criminals; could flee the country instead of facing trial.

What was Heresy? (role of the church)

Seen as a crime against God; punished harshly, especially after 1401

What was the power of the king? (key themes)

Norman kings increased control; crimes seen as against the king, not just victims.

What was the role of religion? (power of the king)

The Church had major influence over law, courts, and defining crimes.

What was the role of community (key themes)

Tithings and hue and cry showed communities had responsibility for catching criminals.

What were attitudes to punishment? (key themes)

Harsh and public punishments used for deterrence and retribution.