Crime & Punishment

Question 1

What were some things that witches were blamed for?

Answer 1

Natural disasters, famine, plague, stillbirths

Question 2

What is meant by ‘treason’?

Answer 2

Being disloyal to the king or queen. Also, murdering someone from a higher level in society.

Question 3

What was Canon Law?

Answer 3

The law of the Catholic Church. This gave them lots of power and control over society.

Question 4

What was the most serious crime in Canon Law?

Answer 4

Heresy - contradicting the Chruch’s teachings. Heretics were executed, often burnt at the stake.

Question 5

What was the ‘hue and cry’?

Answer 5

A process where villagers were summoned to assist catching a criminal.

Question 6

What were some techniques to control crime?

Answer 6

1. Curfews
2. Tithings - groups of 10 males over 12 years old who were responsible for each other’s behaviour
3. Public display of criminals in cages or gibbets.
4. Public punishment

Question 7

What were four types of trials?

Answer 7

1. Trial by Compurgation (Accused had to take an oath and then get 12 people to swear they believed their oath of innocence.)
2. Trial by Combat (For nobles - have champions to fight on their behalf. God would reward the innocent with a win)
3. Trial by Ordeal (Asking God for a sign of innocence in certain ordeals eg. by water, by fire)
4. Trial by Jury (travelling judges with juries of 12 men)

Question 8

What was torture used for?

Answer 8

To get a confession. Could also be used as a punishment with certain instruments used for certain crimes.

Question 9

What were the five main types of punishment?

Answer 9

1. Public Humiliation (pillory/stocks, the ducking stool, scold’s bridle)
2. Imprisonment (minor offences, treason, POWs)
3. Burning (witchcraft/heresy)
4. Execution (hanging/beheading for treason)
5. Mutilation (stealing/cheating = whipping, hand/ear/tongue cut off, eyes burnt out with poker)

Question 10

How could you avoid punishment?

Answer 10

1. Being pregnant.
2. Claiming sanctuary from the Church.

Question 11

What was the process of claiming Church sanctuary?

Answer 11

1. Stay on Church property for 40 days.
2. Admit your wrongdoing
3. Abjure the realm = leave the country forever

Question 12

How did the Magna Carta change law and punishment?

Answer 12

1. It entitled people to a fair trial
2. People could appeal against being wrongfully imprisoned.
3. No one was above the law.