Norman Justice System Flashcards
Norman’s built many castles to help control the land. What was the problem and what did it lead to?
Anglo-saxon homes were destroyed, and some fought back. Killing Norman soldiers. William made a law that if a Norman was murdered, all the people of that region had to join together and pay an expensive Murdrum fine
Why did William keep the majority of the Anglo-Saxon laws and give examples:
He wanted to prove he was the rightful heir to England’s previous kings and he would respect their legacy. He kept tithing and the hue and cry as they worked very well
What were the forest laws?
This made previous legal activities into serious crimes. Trees couldn’t be cut down for fuel , people in forests were not allowed to own a dog or bow and arrows, and anyone caught hunting deer had their first two fingers chopped off.
How were women who committed crimes treated in Norman law compared to Anglo-Saxon law?
The Anglo-Saxons gave women almost equal rights in law with men. However, the Norman law was much harsher on women, and a legal text said,’Women authority nil. Let her in all things be subject to the rule of men’
What were the primary structures built by the Normans to control the land?
Castles
The Normans built castles to help maintain control over their newly acquired territories.
What were the Murdrum fines?
Expensive fines paid by all people of a region if a Norman was murdered
This was a collective punishment to discourage violence against Normans.
What action did William take regarding Anglo-Saxon laws?
Kept most of them as they were
William decided to retain the traditional laws of previous Saxon kings.
What methods of community policing did the Normans retain?
Tithings and hue and cry
Local communities were already effective at policing themselves.
What did the Forest Laws change?
Made previously legal activities into serious offences
The laws prohibited cutting down trees and owning certain weapons in forests.
What were the punishments for hunting deer under the Forest Laws?
Chopped off first two fingers or blinded for repeat offenders
This was a severe punishment aimed at deterring poaching.
What is a ‘social crime’ in the context of the Norman laws?
Breaking the Forest Laws despite community disapproval
Many ordinary people viewed these laws as unfair and ignored them.
What was trial by combat?
The accused fought the accuser until one was killed or unable to fight
The loser was judged guilty by God and hanged.
What was capital punishment used for?
Serious crimes
This was a common method of punishment during the Norman period.
What was the official language used in Norman courts?
Norman-French
Court records were kept in Latin, which most English people did not understand.
What happened to the wergild under Norman law?
It was abolished; fines were paid to the king’s officials instead
This marked a shift in how compensation for crimes was handled.
