2.6 Did The Church Help Or Hinder Justice In The Early 13th Century Flashcards
What were church courts? how they they used?
The church claimed the right to try a church man accused of a crime in its own court
Church courts never sentenced anyone to death
They usually dealt with moral offences including not attending church and drunkenness
What was the benefit of the clergy?
This was when an accused person claimed the right to be tried in a church court
The church required the accused to read a verse from the bible
However, People learnt the verse by heart
What was sanctuary?
If someone on the run from the law could reach a church, they could claim sanctuary
This means that they are under the protection of the church
The accused could either face trial or leave the country
Was trial by ordeal effective
Yes - it provided an outcome if a local jury could not reach a verdict
No - it was mainly based on luck so sometimes guilty criminals escapes and innocent people were punished
