Crime and Punishment Anglo-Saxon England Flashcards
During Anglo-Saxon England there was no ?
Police force, small close knit-communities would police themselves.
How would local communities enforce the law in Anglo-Sxon England?
Local communities would regulate themselves and if a crime took place it was the responsibility of the the victim to pursue justice
What was the hue and cry?
This was when a crime had been committed the victim would call out for justice, the closed knit community all would stop farming, chase and hunt down the offender.
What was tithing?
All freemen 12 or over in groups of 10 took an oath to denounce all major crime. If a member of the group broke the law the men took responsibility to bring him to court, if they failed to do so then this led to a group fine.
How important was the Church in Anglo-Saxon England?
The Church was very significant as all attended mass, were highly religious and believed in God in Anglo-Saxon England
What were the most common crimes in Anglo-Saxon England?
Common crimes were against property, usually petty theft
How were were trails by local juries used in Anglo-Saxon England?
This was a court of local men who would know the accusser or the accussed. A lot of faith was put on a persons word. If there was no clear evidnece the court would base its decision on the knowledge of those concerned
What was the hierachy of court in Anglo-Saxon England?
There were changes to the justice system in Anglo-Saxon England including a hierarchy of courts a) Royal Courts (for serious crimes) b) A shire Court and c) Hundred Courts
How were trails by ordeal used in Anglo-Saxon England?
If the local jury could not agree then trial by ordeal was used. It was hoped that God would pass judgement. Trails by ordeal happened near to a Church.
What was trial by cold water?
A man was lowered into water (a river). If the accussed floated he was deemed to be guilty. If the accussed sank he was deemed to be innocent.
How was guilt or innocence decided during trail by cold water?
If the accussed floated he was deemed to be guilty. If the accussed sank he was deemed to be innocent.
What was trial by hot water?
Usually a man had to put his hand into a pan of hot boiling to retrieve a stone.
How was guilt or innocence decided during trail by hot water?
The hand was bandaged and after three days the bandage was removed. If the wound had healed the accused was innocent
What was trial by hot iron?
Usually a women had to pick up and hold a hot iron for three steps.
How was guilt or innocence decided during trail by hot iron
Similar to trial by hot water, the hand was bandaged and after three days the bandage was removed. If the wound had healed the accused was innocent
