1.2.1
Enforcing the Law in Medieval Society
Enforcing the Law in the Early Medieval Period
Enforcing the Law in the Early Medieval Period
In the absence of an official police force, local communities policed themselves. The communities had a number of different methods to do this; tithings, the Hue and Cry and local constables.
![Illustrative background for Tithings](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/8c2fe0a8-f1c3-4c38-874b-eef35d32c518/norman-shield-wall-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Tithings ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/8c2fe0a8-f1c3-4c38-874b-eef35d32c518/norman-shield-wall-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Tithings
Tithings
- Every male over the age of 12 was expected to join a Tithing.
- The Tithing was a group of 10 men who were responsible for each others’ behaviour.
- If one of the men broke the law, the other members of the Tithing had to bring him to court or ensure that any fines due were paid.
![Illustrative background for The Hue and Cry](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/90fcaa8f-96bf-4f9b-add6-4bed3fa7f654/shutterstock_655398757,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for The Hue and Cry ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/90fcaa8f-96bf-4f9b-add6-4bed3fa7f654/shutterstock_655398757,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
The Hue and Cry
The Hue and Cry
- Following a crime being committed either the victim or any witness was expected to raise the Hue and Cry.
- The entire village would have to stop their current work, down tools and chase after the criminal.
- If anyone chose not to join the Hue and Cry then the whole village would have to pay a fine.
- If the Hue and Cry failed then the Sheriff would group together a Posse of men which would continue the search.
![Illustrative background for Trial by jury](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/dbe173cc-f514-4832-b769-ffaee9398a61/jury-court-judge,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Trial by jury ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/dbe173cc-f514-4832-b769-ffaee9398a61/jury-court-judge,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Trial by jury
Trial by jury
- Members of the local community formed a jury.
- This was made up of men from the village that knew both the accused and the accuser.
- The accused and the accuser would tell their version of events and the jury would decide who they thought was telling the truth.
- If there was no evidence, for example an eyewitness to the crime, the jury would decide based on their own knowledge of the two parties involved.
![Illustrative background for Compurgation](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-04/1873a90c-6d96-4caf-98e6-e505cd7dafcd/guilty,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Compurgation ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-04/1873a90c-6d96-4caf-98e6-e505cd7dafcd/guilty,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Compurgation
Compurgation
- In examples where the jury felt that the accuser was more honest than the accused they would take an oath called Compurgation.
- The jury would swear that the accused was guilty.
![Illustrative background for Constables](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-04/9dcbb846-8830-4748-9aa5-5ce0589d94b8/constable,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Constables ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-04/9dcbb846-8830-4748-9aa5-5ce0589d94b8/constable,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Constables
Constables
- Well respected men in the village would be expected to take on the role of Constable.
- This would usually be a local landowner or well-respected tradesman.
- They would be expected to take the role for one year and the main responsibility was to keep the peace in their spare time.
- They would need to keep an eye for crimes being committed and lead the Hue and Cry when necessary.
1Medieval England, 1000-1500
1.1Changing Definition of Crime in Medieval England
1.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
1.3Case Studies From 1000-1500
2Early Modern England, 1500-1700
2.1Changing Definitions of Crime
2.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
2.3Case Studies From 1500-1700
318th & 19th Century Britain
3.1Changing Definition of Crime in Industrial Britain
3.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
3.3Case Studies From 1700-1900
4Modern Britain, 1900-Present
4.1Changing Definition of Crime in Modern Britain
4.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
5Whitechapel Local Study
5.1The Geographical Area & Living Conditions
5.2The People of Whitechapel
Jump to other topics
1Medieval England, 1000-1500
1.1Changing Definition of Crime in Medieval England
1.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
1.3Case Studies From 1000-1500
2Early Modern England, 1500-1700
2.1Changing Definitions of Crime
2.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
2.3Case Studies From 1500-1700
318th & 19th Century Britain
3.1Changing Definition of Crime in Industrial Britain
3.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
3.3Case Studies From 1700-1900
4Modern Britain, 1900-Present
4.1Changing Definition of Crime in Modern Britain
4.2Nature of Law Enforcement & Punishment
5Whitechapel Local Study
5.1The Geographical Area & Living Conditions
5.2The People of Whitechapel
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