Crime, Punishment, Law Enforcement c1000-c1500 Flashcards
What were the roles of the king in Anglo-Saxon law enforcement?
. Make and enforce laws
.Rely on advisors to help govern country
.King’s duty to keep peace
What was the role of the community in Anglo-Saxon law enforcement?
.They were expected to take collective responsibility for upholding the law
.Victim would raise a Hue and Cry to call community to help catch the criminal
.Each area had a reeve that carried out decisions made by local courts
What was the role of the church in Anglo-Saxon law enforcement?
The church would deal with moral crimes and crimes against the church
Why were oaths taken in Anglo-Saxon law enforcement?
Anglo-Saxon justice relied heavily on religion so oaths played an important part in proving a person’s innocence. Therefore, in most cases, the accused walked free. But re-offenders didn’t get the option to swear an oath of innocence.
How did Trial by Ordeal work in Anglo-Saxon law enforcement?
If there wasn’t enough evidence to prove a person was guilty, the Anglo-Saxon church would try the accused in this Trial.
The effect was seen as God’s judgement - trials include hot iron, hot water and cold water.
What were the different Anglo-Saxon punishments?
.Murder was punished by a fine paid to the victim’s family (WERGILD) intended to reduce blood feuds and paid by status of victim
.Treason and arson punished by execution (usually hanging)
.Corporal punishments acted as a deterrent and more lenient than death penalty (includes eye-gouging, remove hand/foot)
What were the changes in law enforcement during the Normans?
. Increased influence of king over law
. Law enforcement became more centralised
. Fewer decisions made by local communities (H+C continued)
. Trial by Combat introduced to settle disputes
. Built castles to further emphasise centralisation
. Norman nobles replaced A-S
. Feudal system introduced
What was the Murdrum fine?
Wergild changed to Murdrum fine, if a Norman noble was killed, a large sum of money had to be paid to the king by the hundred,where the body was found. Increased centralisation
What were Forest Laws?
It became illegal for peasants to hunt of common land as it had now been controlled strictly by the king. Only people who could afford hunting rights were able to hunt there. Anyone caught hunting could be faced with hanging or mutilation (branding/chopping off a body part)
What was the trend in Norman punishments?
. Centralised authority of the king in crime and punishment
. Fines paid to king’s officials
When did Henry II become king?
1154
What did Henry II do ?
. 1166 - reorganised courts and set up prisons for those who were accused and waiting trial (ASSIZE OF CLARENDON)
. Justices in Eyre - visit each county twice a year to hear most serious criminal cases
. 1164 Constitutions of Clarendon - limited power of the Church
What were the new crimes in the LMA (later middle ages) ?
. Heresy - people who disagree with the beliefs and practices of Christian church
. Illegal to look for better paid work as there was a maximum wage introduced 1351 (Statute of Labourers)
what was the new law enforcement in the LMA ?
. H+C continued but towns subdivided into areas called ‘wards’
. 1194 - Richard I introduced coroners to deal with suspicious deaths
. 1194 Richard I appointed some knights as keepers of the king’s peace in areas that seemed unruly
. 1327 Edward III extended this to all areas and men judged to be good+lawful were appointed
. 1361 these were known as JPs and met 4 times a year to carry out magistrate duties + enforce the law
What were the punishments in the LMA?
. High treason was punished by being hanged, drawn and quartered
. Heresy was punished by being burned at the stake
