trials and punishment Flashcards
types of ordeals?
ordeal by fire, ordeal by water and ordeal by combat.
what is the ordeal by fire?
The accused had to pick up a red hot iron bar and hold it while they walked three or four paces. Their hand was then bandaged. After 3 days they had to return to the court where the bandages were removed. If the wound was beginning to heal they were innocent but if the wound had no sign of healing then you were guilty and you will face punishment.
What is the ordeal by water
The accused had their hands and feet tied together. They were thrown into the water. If they floated they were guilty but if they sank they were innocent.
what is the ordeal by combat?
Noble men would fight (usually to the death) in combat with their accusers. The winner of the battle would be considered to be in the right. (inocent)
What was the punishment like in the Medieval period?
Punishment in the medieval period was more physical punishments (often very painful) rather than jail time, community service, etc. The punishments were: hands cut off, burnt alive, hanged, ears cut of, hung, dragged around the village, placed in stocks, fined, boiled in olive oil, forced to fight in a dual, whipped, and beheaded.
Why were the punishments so strict?
The punishments were harsh because the overall system was influenced by the Church and such punishments were given in order to create fear in the hearts of the people and to keep them from committing crimes.
What impact did these harsh punishments have on the people?
These harsh punishments kept people away from committing crimes because they knew that if they did something wrong they would face usually a very harsh and painful consequence.
