How did the Anglo- Saxons enforce the law?
- Created by: Himee Senanayake
- Created on: 01-06-18 13:05
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- How did the Anglo-Saxons enforce the law?
- it was easier to identify a criminal as everyone knew one another
- it was expected for local communities to take collective responsibility.
- each community had a 'reeve' who carried out decisions made by local courts.
- church communities = required daily labourers to run the buildings and supply food
- the role of the local community in policing was very important
- God was the final judge
- Status and position of different groups should be clear
- it was a victim's responsibility to seek justice as well as the whole community
- Tithings were responsible for the behaviour of all the others
- Reeves were men who were appointed to bring criminals to justice.
- Hue and cry = shouting for help and everyone who heard the shout should chase the suspect
- Oaths are a formal declaration of the facts
- played an important part in proving a person's innocence.
- Hearings took place in public and the accused could swear their innocence under oath.
- Trial by ordeal = testing someone's innocence or guilt in the eyes of God
- Ordeal by hot water = putting their hand into hot water. The condition of their arm after three days explains whether they are guilty or not.
- Ordeal by cold water = tied up and put in holy water. Sank = innocent, float = guilty
- Trial by fire = walking a certain distance over hot ploughshares. If the wound healed - innocent, if not - guilty.
- it was easier to identify a criminal as everyone knew one another
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