LESSON 3.7 How were people punished for committing crimes in medieval times? LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to: • identify the types of crimes committed in the medieval period and the different punishments for different groups of people • explain how these punishments changed over time.
Tune in This device was found in most villages and towns in medieval times. It was intended as a form of corporal punishment. Discuss the following questions and suggest answers. 1. What is the purpose of punishment? Why do we have it? 2. Is public humiliation worse than other types of punishment? Explain your answer. 3. What do you think is the difference between corporal and capital punishment?
SOURCE1 A pillory in a village square
3.7.1 Community justice In medieval Europe, most people lived in villages on feudal manors or in crowded towns behind city walls. There was no police force, so people had to protect themselves. The community was hierarchical, with lords or their reeves dispensing justice. Later, villages had volunteer constables and watchmen. Crimes were dealt with in several ways: • Hue and cry: When someone saw a crime, they called out an alarm. Neighbours had to catch the criminal. If the criminal resisted, they could be killed. • Tithing arrest: All males over 12 years old were responsible for ensuring everyone followed the law. Households were organised in groups of ten (tithing). If someone broke the law, the tithing had to arrest them and take them to court. If they didn’t, they were fined. • Posse comitatus: If a criminal was on the run, the local sheriff could call on men to help catch them. 3.7.2 Public humiliation An accusation of disturbing the peace meant the crime affected the community’s security. In medieval times, this included public drunkenness, violent arguing, brawling, and swearing. Punishments aimed to deter others by publicly humiliating the offenders. Those accused were often put in stocks or the pillory. Stocks restrained the feet or hands, while the pillory was more severe, locking the head and hands (or feet) in a wooden restraint. Offenders were left all day in the town square. Villagers would jeer and throw rotting vegetables at them.
70 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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