Medieval Crime and Punishment

Why did the barons (nobles) of King John force him to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede? [Select ALL that APPLY]

• he had given the them the right of habeas corpus

• he had imprisoned people without telling them their crime and didn't let them go

• he had established a Model Parliament in England

• he had imposed heavy taxes on the barons to fight expensive wars

The Constitutions of Clarendon by King Henry II said that guilt or innocense of people should be determined by evidence and courts. Before this, who had typically been in charge of determing guilt or innoncense in Medieval Europe?

• Kings and Queens

• Local Officials

• The Roman Catholic Church

• The Barber Surgeon

What was the primary purpose of the stocks and pillory in medieval towns?

• To display criminals for public humiliation

• To execute criminals

• To imprison criminals for long periods

• To protect criminals from mobs

Which medieval legal system was based on the idea of trial by ordeal?

• Common Law

• Canon Law

• Feudal Law

• Customary Law

What was the role of a medieval constable?

• To oversee the king's treasury

• To maintain law and order in a town

• To lead the king's army

• To collect taxes from peasants

What was a common punishment for theft in medieval England?

• Execution

• Flogging

• Imprisonment

• Amputation of a hand

Which group was responsible for enforcing laws in medieval villages?

• The local lord

• The village priest

• The village reeve

• The king's knights

What was the purpose of a medieval gaol?

• To hold prisoners awaiting trial

• To serve as a place of execution

• To rehabilitate criminals

• To house political prisoners

What was the significance of the Assize of Clarendon in 1166?

• It established trial by jury

• It abolished trial by ordeal

• It introduced the concept of habeas corpus

• It created a system of royal courts

What was a 'tithing' in the context of medieval law enforcement?

• A group of ten men responsible for each other's conduct

• A tax paid to the church

• A type of medieval court

• A punishment for minor crimes