Norman Flashcards
What years was the Norman period?
1066 - 1154
( william the conqueror)
How did william the conqueror contol the anglo-saxons?
harsh punishments for rebels
built castles to look more intimidating
created the feudal system
How has law changed?
murdrum fine
the forest laws
what was the murdrum fine?
Fines for punishments now need to be paid to the king, not the victims family (like in wergild).
The whole community has to pay, making it a big detterent.
What was the forest laws?
Large areas in the countryside now belonged to the king (royal forests). Peasants cannot poach here anymore otherwise they will get a corporal punishment.
Many saw this as unfair as that was how people got their necessities.
‘outlaw’ was another crime - this was moving away from your village, if you got caught you would be killed.
norman law enforcement: continuities
king still had to keep peace
trials by ordeal stayed
hue and cry
tithings
what law enforcement was introduced
trial by combat introduced
punishments: continuities
fines are still a punishment
any attempt to challenge the king will be punished
punishments : change
wergild changed to murdrum (now pay fines to the king)
brutal punishments used to show authority
group punishments (starving, killing farm animals etc)
increase in death penalty
What is trial by combat?
settle arguments by fighting with swords or large sticks
occasionally fight till death
