c1000-c1500 law enforcement in medieval england

Question 1

Anglo Saxon Law enforcement

Answer 1

Oaths - swearing oaths ‘before god’ meant that those accused could swear their innocence supported by ‘oath helpers’

Trial by ordeal - If the jury at court could not decide a verdict, they were handed over to the church so that God could decide a persons guilt or innocence

Question 2

Norman law enforcement

Answer 2

Trial by combat - Two people involved in a crime would fight to the death. God would make sure the innocent individual survived
Castles were built to represent strong royal authority over the people.

Question 3

Norman continuity of Anglo Saxon law enforcement

Answer 3

Tithings - Shires split into hundreds. Each hundred divided into ten tithings. Each tithing responsible for each other. If one was accused of a crime they made sure the individual went to court otherwise they would all face a fine

Hue and Cry - The witness / victim of a crime raised a hue and cry by shouting to alert the community. Everybody who heard the alert was obliged to chase after the criminal or face a punishment