Punishment - 1000-1500

Anglo-Saxon England

Power and influence of king

Growing power of Church

Increase use of Punishments to show King power

  • Blood-feuds — killing the person who injured your family member

  • Wergild — a fine paid to the victim / victim’s family, depending on standing in society

  • Trial by Jury — a jury had to decide the truth from someone’s versions of the events

  • Trial by Ordeal — God was the judge, (Trial by Hot Water)

  • Maiming — prisions were not good quality, so visible, and unlikely to commit crime again (hands cut off when stealing from church)

  • Capital punishments — very serious crimes - high treason, arson

  • Tithing — working together to bring justice

  • Hue and Cry — working together as a community to prevent/stop crimes

Normans

Role of King

Changing attitudes

  • Trial by Combat — accused against accuser, just brute strength

  • Church Courts — separate courts for Clergy

  • Local communities policed themselves - hue and cry, tithings