The Norman Legal System

Question 1

Why did William at first want continuity with previous laws ?

Answer 1

He worried it could lead to anger and then rebellion
However he wanted to use it to help him maintain power

Question 2

What where the two main results of the changes to the legal system ?

Answer 2

1. Power of the kings increased. William controlled the legal system as he owned all the land
2. The power of the church increased because it became more involved in the legal system

Question 3

Did William keep the majority of Anglo Saxon laws ? What are some examples ?

Answer 3

Yes
They kept the system of Tithings and the hue and cry as they were effective ways of policing local communities

Question 4

How did the Normans increase the control of the church over the law system ?

Answer 4

Introduced the church to the courts
These were separate courts used for churchmen and tended to be more lenient

Question 5

What are some examples of new Norman laws ?

Answer 5

If a Norman was murdered all the people of these region had to join together and pay a huge fine- Murdeum fine
Forest laws

Question 6

Was the death penalty maintained and if so for what ?

Answer 6

Yes
- William used it for serious crimes and reoffenders
- executions in public to act as an incentive to commit crime which had been rare pre 1066

Question 7

What happens to the language used in courts ?

Answer 7

Changes to French which is the official language for court procedure and all court documents kept in Latin

Question 8

Does William keep trial by ordeal ?

Answer 8

Yes
- also introduced trial by combat
- accused fights the accuser until on dies or unable to fight
- loser than hanged as God had judged him to be guilty