Crime and Punishment REVISION

Saxon Period AD 400-1100 Main crime was of theft – examples? Violent crime quite rare Victims had to catch criminals – how? Adults formed ‘tithings’

Saxon Period AD 400-1100 ‘Wergild’ paid to victims – how did this work? By 1100 more physical punishments Guilt decided by juries or ‘Trial by Ordeal’

The Later Middle Ages 1100-1500 Most crime still petty theft New crime of heresy Rebels accused of treason Traitors & heretics publicly executed

The Later Middle Ages 1100-1500 Policing also done by the Coroner & Sheriff Constables appointed More physical punishments Courts developing – work by royal judges & JPs Manor courts

Was Saxon justice harsh & superstitious? From early times the Blood Feud was allowed Wergild later introduced Hanging & mutilations as punishments Tithings used to stop crimes Juries decided guilt – ‘compurgation’ Accused could be tried by ordeal or combat

What changes did the Normans make? Kept trial by ordeal & added trial by combat Still used tithings Wergild ended Punishments designed to emphasise the power of the king

Medieval & Modern Times Petty thefts People responsible for catching criminals Beginning of jury system Wergild & physical punishments No prisons Huge variety of crime National police force Complex court system Fines & imprisonment Rehabilitation rather than punishment Neighbourhood Watch