Law Enforcement Flashcards
What did constables do?
They had the power to arrest people, break up fights and prevent fires. They were paid very little
What did watchmen do?
- made sure people kept to the curfew
- prevented crimes and caught criminals
What was the Hue and Cry?
Everyone had a duty to raise the alarm if they saw a crime taking place, and everyone who heard the alarm had to catch the criminal
What was tithing?
A group of 10-12 freemen would promise that if someone did a crime, they had to reveal the guilty one or risk the whole group being punished
Why were oaths used?
The people who knew the accused would swear an oath in a holy bible or relic to promise that they were telling the truth
What was trial by cold water?
Water was blessed by a priest. People believed that holy water repelled sinners, so the guilty would float and the innocent would sink
What was trial by hot iron?
The accused would carry a red hot iron in their hand. 3 days later, if the wound was infected they were guilty, if not they were innocent
What was trial by battle?
The accused and the accuser fought. They believed God would intervene and help the person on the right
What were Mudrum fines?
A system that protested the Normans from Anglo-Saxon hostility. If a Norman was killed and the murderer had not been found within 5 days, the hundred (local community) would be fined.
