Middle Ages Legal System Laws Punishments Changing Government

The Enforcement in the Middle Ages Under Feudalism, nobles and lords had the authority in cases in their domains appealed to the King if unhappy. Law in England was first dominated by lords under the feudal system and then by Magna Carta and the formation of a parliament.

Methods of Proof How someone is proven innocent or guilty Today we use evidence in a legal courtroom, and a prosecutor must prove the defendant guilty In the Middle Ages, the defendant had to prove themselves innocent by ordeals, Combat, Compurgation, and the newly formed court system

Ordeal The accused had to face an ordeal in which they would suffer pain or face death to decide whether they were guilty or innocent. God would save them if innocent Ordeal by Fire and water the most common

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 three 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 showed no sign of healing then they were pronounced Guilty.

Ordeal by Water The accused had their hands and feet tied together. They were then thrown into water. If they floated they were guilty but if they sank they were innocent.

Trial By Jury A jury of twelve men was chosen by the villagers. The jury had to collect evidence and decide whether the accused was guilty or not guilty and, if found guilty, what the punishment should be.

Trial By Combat Noblemen would fight (usually to the death) in combat with their accuser. The winner of the battle would be considered to be in the right.

Compurgation The defendant is acquitted on the word of a number of friends or neighbors. Accused had to produce a number of witnesses who would that they were good people- witnesses did not talk about the case, only on the character of the accused

Magna Carta1215 A charter which guaranteed the English people certain civil rights and limited the powers of the monarch Stated the king had to consult an elected parliament and rule lawfully

Parliament 1236 it was an assembly of prominent men, summoned by the King to deal with matters of state and law. Contained a House of Lords and a House of Commons

Canadian Parliament House of Commons The Senate

House Of Commons The lower house of the Parliament of England that advised the English monarch members represent different districts Today the House of Commons is an elected body or representatives in Canadian parliament that represents each district. There is also a Senate rather than a House of Lords that is appointed by the Prime Minister

Most Common Execution Styles Executions were public and designed to inflict the most pain Methods : The Wheel Hanging Pressing or Crushing Burning Boiled to death Decapitation Quartering Impalement