Medieval Feudalism
Medieval Europe or the Middle Ages, is a time period during c.500 AD to c. 1500 AD. There are many societal aspects that can be observed during this time period that served Medieval Europe's function and growth, two of which are crime and punishment and towns, cities and commerce. These two societal aspects contributed to the functioning of the feudal system, the power of rulers and prosperity of nations. Feudalism was introduced to England and Europe when William the Conqueror successfully invaded England in 1066 and enforced the idea that In order to be successful one must be loyal to the King. To many a historian this is where the strength of Europe, particularly England grew. Punishment and commerce are two important societal aspects that
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Criminals were convicted before either a Manorial court or the King's court. Manorial courts were much like courts today with a jury and generally a just punishment was given that appeared to fit the crime whilst the King’s court used trial by ordeal that has been seen by historians as unjust and theatrical. Ordeals included ordeal by water (where the convicted either drowned and were not guilty or floated and were guilty), ordeal by fire ( the convicted was to hold a poker and burn themselves, if the wound healed in three days they were innocent) and ordeal by combat. Often minor misdeeds resulted in fines, being placed in the stocks or wearing a scolds bridle and severe crimes usually resulted in the loss of limbs, disfigurement, being burned to death, hung, buried alive or executed. Crime and punishment has always been an aspect of society, they existed in Medieval Europe in order to firstly, punish those who broke the law. As well as this punishment often mutilated, embarrassed, ruined people's chance to rise in society and killed people thus it acted as a deterrent – promoting obedience, it prevented serious criminals from committing crimes again (especially if they were convicted of treason) and those who convicted criminals were able to display their authority and power. Justice, deterrent and incapacitation – the three main reasons for its
Criminals were convicted before either a Manorial court or the King's court. Manorial courts were much like courts today with a jury and generally a just punishment was given that appeared to fit the crime whilst the King’s court used trial by ordeal that has been seen by historians as unjust and theatrical. Ordeals included ordeal by water (where the convicted either drowned and were not guilty or floated and were guilty), ordeal by fire ( the convicted was to hold a poker and burn themselves, if the wound healed in three days they were innocent) and ordeal by combat. Often minor misdeeds resulted in fines, being placed in the stocks or wearing a scolds bridle and severe crimes usually resulted in the loss of limbs, disfigurement, being burned to death, hung, buried alive or executed. Crime and punishment has always been an aspect of society, they existed in Medieval Europe in order to firstly, punish those who broke the law. As well as this punishment often mutilated, embarrassed, ruined people's chance to rise in society and killed people thus it acted as a deterrent – promoting obedience, it prevented serious criminals from committing crimes again (especially if they were convicted of treason) and those who convicted criminals were able to display their authority and power. Justice, deterrent and incapacitation – the three main reasons for its