Case study: the influence of the Church and crime and punishment

Why were the clergy influential in medieval communities?

They were often the most educated and literate members of society.

How did churches and cathedrals show the Church’s influence?

They were the largest and most impressive buildings in communities.

What did the Church teach about salvation?

Souls could only reach heaven by following Church teachings.

How much wealth did the Church own?

One fifth of the country’s wealth.

What portion of people’s earnings was collected as Church tax?

A: One tenth, known as tithes.

What was the “benefit of the clergy”?

Clergy could be tried only in Church courts, not royal courts.

Why were Church courts considered lenient?

Punishments included pilgrimages or confessions rather than execution.

How could criminals abuse benefit of the clergy?

They could claim to be clergy by reading Psalm 51 from memory.

What was Psalm 51 called in this context?
A: The “neck verse” because it could save someone from execution.

How did Henry II try to limit benefit of the clergy?

Through the Constitutions of Clarendon, causing conflict with Thomas Becket.

What was sanctuary in the medieval Church?

A church offered protection to an accused person from arrest.

What happened to someone who claimed sanctuary?

They could swear an oath to leave the country within 40 days instead of facing trial.

When did sanctuary end in England?

In 1536, during Henry VIII’s reign.

What change did the Pope order in 1215 regarding trials?

Priests were to stop helping organise trials by ordeal.

What system replaced trial by ordeal in England?

Trial by jury.

How many men typically made up a jury?

Twelve men.

What was the jury’s role in a trial?

To observe the trial and decide if the accused was guilty or innocent.

Why was trial by jury significant?

It moved law enforcement and justice from religious to secular control.

How did benefit of the clergy reflect the Church’s power over the law?

Clergy could avoid harsher secular punishments, showing Church influence over justice.

Why did people value sanctuary and benefit of the clergy?

They provided protection from the king’s courts and could save lives.