Norman and Later Medieval Law Enforcement

Question 1

continuity

Answer 1

-system of tithings
-hue & cry
-court system
-mainly community responsibility

Question 2

change

Answer 2

-norman’s introduced trial by combat
-use of foresters

Question 3

what was trial by combat?

Answer 3

settling disputes, 2 people would fight to death.

-> displays more military nature of norman society

Question 4

what did foresters do?

Answer 4

enforce forest laws, dealt with suspects very harshly and were feared & hated by local communities.

Question 5

what law enforcement was introduced in the later medieval times?

Answer 5

Parish Constables

Question 6

what were parish constables?

Answer 6

-local people nominated by community
-unpaid did usual jobs aswell
-held post for a year

Question 7

later medieval law enforcement

role of local community continuity?

Answer 7

-hue & cry

-tithings

-trial by ordeal / combat (informal methods of law enforcement)

Question 8

later medieval law enforcement

role of community change?

Answer 8

-from 1250s, parish constables led chase after hue and cry was given + arrested suspects

-night watch = volunteers patrolled streets, suspected criminals caught & handed to constables

-trial by ordeal & combat abolished in 1215

Question 9

later medieval law enforcement

role of government-appointed officials change?

Answer 9

-From 1195, knights appointed by Richard I as keepers of peace in some areas

-In 1327, Edward II extended this system to all areas

-Following Justices of the Peace Act (1361), the role of the keeper evolved to become Justice of the Peace.
-> could hear minor crimes in court

-role of sheriff expanded, expected to track down criminals if hue & cry didnt work - from 1285, local men chase & catch criminals

Question 10

when was trial by order & combat abolished?

Answer 10

1215

Question 11

when was the justice of peace act?

Answer 11

1361