Anglo-Saxon Justice System Flashcards
What were tithings?
A from of community responsibility where every man over the age of 12 was to join a group of 10 men responsible for each other’s behaviour.
What happens if one person in a tithing broke the law?
The other members of the tithing had to bring him to court or pay a fine if they didn’t
What was hue and cry and what happened if you didn’t join it?
If a crime was committed, the witness was to raise the hue and cry. Then, the entire village was to join a hunt for the criminal. If you didn’t join, then the WHOLE village would pay a heavy fine
What was trial local jury?
The jury was made up of people who knew the accuser and accused well, who would both give their version of the events, and the jury would decide which one is true.
What was trial by ordeal and give 1 example:
If a local jury could not decide innocence or guilt the the saxons turned to God for help. A priest was always present. For example, trial by blessed bread was where the priest prayed the accused would choke on bread of they lied. The accused ate the bread and was found guilty if he choked
What was wergild?
Compensation paid to the victims of crime or to their families and the saxons relied heavily on this.
Why was wergild unfair?
The wergild for killing a noble is 300 shillings, while a freeman 100 shillings and a welshman is even lower. It was very unequal
What was capital punishment, and what crimes were punished by this?
Execution and treason against the king or betraying your lord were punished with death as the saxons believed the king was chosen by God
What was corporal punishment, and what crimes were punished by it?
Violence such as mutilation(cutting off of fingers and ears) and was only for regular offenders in a crime
What was the purpose of capital and corporal punishment? What actually happened?
To deter others, but it actually just caused more violence and was too harsh
What are examples of crime against the person, property, and authority and which one is the most common?
Crimes against the person: Murder, assault, rape
Crimes against property(most common): Petty theft, poaching,arson
Crimes against authority: Treason, rebellion
What was the blood fued and what did it lead to?
The right of a murder victims family to track down and kill the murderer for revenge. This led to generations of fueds and violence as some people thought the murder was too harsh and would try and kill the other family in compensation
