1000-1500 Flashcards
What were the main methods of enforcement introduced in the period?
Parish constables, the army, and tithings were key methods of enforcement.
What was the role of parish constables?
Introduced by Edward I, parish constables were responsible for enforcing the Hue and Cry and working with local magistrates.
What is a tithing?
Established in the 10th century, a tithing consisted of ten men responsible for each other’s behavior.
What was the Hue and Cry?
A process where local communities would try to catch a criminal, requiring all members to stop their activities.
What was the significance of the Anglo-Saxon and Norman periods in law enforcement?
Collective community responsibility was the basis for enforcement, with no police force.
How were serious crimes dealt with during the Medieval period?
Most trials were conducted within local communities; serious crimes were handled by Royal courts.
What role did the Church courts play?
Church courts dealt primarily with moral crimes and gained wider powers after the Norman Conquests.
What was Trial by Combat?
Introduced by William I, it was a fight between two sides with God determining the winner.
What was the impact of the Magna Carta on law enforcement?
It gave rights to freemen but not to villains, increasing the power of landowners and nobility.
Justices of the Peace?
Appointed =1361, wealthy landowners = maintaining law and order.
What was the Constitution of Clarendon?
Designed to reinforce the King’s authority, it aimed to create a more centralized legal system.
What changes occurred under Henry II?
Judicial reforms were introduced, including the establishment of a clearer legal system.
What was the role of Sheriffs?
Sheriffs were responsible for enforcing the King’s law across counties under the Normans.
What led to the growing importance of Parliament?
By the 14th century, Parliament became a significant law-making body, reflecting changes in law enforcement.
What factors influenced law enforcement during the Medieval period?
Factors included the feudal system, social attitudes, and the growing influence of landowners.
What was the relationship between Church Courts and Kings Courts?
Tensions grew between them, particularly during the time of Henry II and Thomas Becket.
What was the role of Church Courts?
Church Courts were responsible for dealing with moral crimes and grew in powers and influence under William I, dealing with all crimes committed.
How did Church Courts compare to secular courts?
Church Courts tended to be more lenient than secular courts and could not pass the death sentence.
What was the issue of heresy in the 14th century?
By the 14th century, Church Courts confronted crimes of heresy from Lollards and would hand over these cases to Royal Courts due to their inability to impose the death sentence.
What happened to many Lollards accused of heresy?
Many Lollards were burnt at the stake.
What was Trial by Ordeal?
Trial by Ordeal was used in Anglo Saxon and Norman England, including trials by hot water, hot iron, and cold water.
What was the significance of the Trial by Holy Bread?
Trial by Holy Bread applied to men of the church, where guilt was decided by God.
When did Trial by Ordeal end?
Trial by Ordeal ended in 1215.
What was the Benefit of the Clergy?
Clergy could claim Benefit of the Clergy to be tried in Church Courts, requiring proof by reading a specific verse from the Bible known as the ‘neck verse.’
What was the process for criminals claiming sanctuary?
Criminals on the run could claim sanctuary in a Church for 40 days, after which they would either hand themselves in or leave the country.
How did oaths in trials relate to the belief in God?
The use of oaths in trials was a means of ensuring the truth due to the universal belief in God.
What was the Pope’s stance on Trial by Ordeal?
Trial by Ordeal was considered so unreliable that the Pope banned them in 1215.
What was a consequence of claiming sanctuary?
People seeking sanctuary would give up all land and money if they chose to leave the country.
How did the Church Courts hinder Medieval Law and Order?
Monarchs like Henry II became frustrated by Church Courts due to their leniency and ineffectiveness in dealing with crimes.
What was a benefit of Church Courts?
Church Courts offered an opportunity for rehabilitation and redemption for those involved.
What illusion did Trial by Ordeal create?
Trial by Ordeal gave the illusion of justice, even though it was unreliable.
What was the perception of Church Courts?
Many considered Church Courts as a soft option because they could not pass the death sentence.
How did the Church act in relation to monarchs?
The role of the Church acted as a balance to the rule of the monarch, useful during despotic monarchs like John and Stephen.
What legal system did Church Courts create?
Church Courts created a two-tier legal system which could undermine the laws of the king.
