Crime in Medieval England Flashcards

Flashcards covering key facts about crime and punishment in Medieval England.

What is a crime?

An activity that breaks a law made by those who govern a country.

What are some examples of crimes against the person in Medieval England?

Murder, assault, public disorder, and rape.

What are some examples of crimes against property in Medieval England?

Arson, theft, and counterfeiting coins.

What are some examples of crimes against authority in Medieval England?

Treason and rebellion.

What is poaching?

Hunting wild animals on other people's land without paying 'hunting rights'.

How did William the First influence the definition of crime?

William I added new laws that created new crimes.

After the Norman conquest, what portion of England became 'Royal Forest'?

Approximately 30% of England.

What activities became illegal in the Royal Forests?

It became illegal to graze animals, kill wild animals, or take wood without a license

What was the Murdrum fine?

A large sum of money paid by the hundred where a murdered Norman's body was found if the culprit was not caught.

What is a 'hundred'?

An area of land.

Who was largely responsible for preventing crime and catching criminals during the Anglo-Saxon period?

The community.

What were the key elements of Anglo-Saxon law enforcement?

Tithings, hue and cry, and courts.

What types of courts existed in Anglo-Saxon England?

Royal courts, shire courts, and hundred courts.

How did the accused swear their innocence in Anglo-Saxon justice?

By swearing oaths 'before God'.

If a jury couldn't decide guilt, who did they hand the accused over to?

Trial by ordeal.

Besides foresters, what was another specific Norman law enforcement change?

Trial by combat introduced by the Normans.

What new roles emerged in later medieval law enforcement?

Parish constables and a night watch.

How did government-appointed officials change law enforcement over time?

Knights appointed as keepers of the peace, later evolving into Justices of the Peace (JPs).

What were the aims of medieval punishment?

Retribution, deterrence, and keeping people safe.

What types of punishment were used in Medieval England?

Fines, stocks, maiming, flogging, hanging, and beheading.

Which system was most common for Anglo-Saxon Punishment?

Paying compensation to victims of crime, known as the Saxon Wergild.

What occurred during Norman punishment

Use of capital and corporal punishment rose dramatically.

What is capital punishment?

Killing the criminal.

What is corporal punishment?

Physically hurting the criminal.

What were the two ways the Church operated an alternative justice system?

Benefit of clergy and sanctuary.