CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN MEDIEVAL ENGLAND c.1000-c.15000

Question 1

Crimes in the anglo-saxon period

Answer 1

-breaking the kings peace
-arson
-theft
-murder
-rape
-robbery
-counterfeiting coins
-poaching
-assault
-harbouring criminals
-treason
-rebellion

Question 2

Punishments in the anglo-saxon period

Answer 2

-execution
-mutilation
-flogging
-stocks and pillory
-wergild (for some crimes the accused would have to pay a set fine to the victim/their family)
-fines

Question 3

Law enforcement in the anglo-saxon period

Answer 3

-hue and cry
-tithings
-shire-reeves (noblemen who were chosen to govern a shire, could summon a ‘posse comitatus’ which was a group of men that would help the shire-reeve catch a criminal)

Question 4

Trials in the anglo-saxon period

Answer 4

-trial by community.
-2 types of court – Royal
and Manor
-juries knew the
defendant
-trial by ordeal (if no verdict):
-trial by boiling water (accused plunged arm into boiling water. if wound healed well after 3 days they were innocent otherwise guilty)
-trial by cold water (accused plunged into a deep pool of cold water. if they sank they were innocent otherwise guilty)
-trial by hot iron (accused had to walk a short distance holding a hot iron bar. if wound healed well after 3 days they were innocent otherwise guilty)

Question 5

Crimes in the Norman period

Answer 5

-killing a Norman (murdrum law)
-poaching (forest laws)
-arson
-theft
-murder
-rape
-robbery
-counterfeiting coins
-assault
-harbouring criminals
-treason
-rebellion