The Role Of Punishment In The Medieval Era

The Medieval Era began in 500CE after the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe, and lasted another 1000 years before transitioning into the Renaissance. It was a difficult time to live in, as it had unjust law systems and punishments sometimes based on faith in superstitious beings. Many historical changes occurred during this era, but some continuity has continued even to today. This is evident in the types of punishments used and the methods of determining guilt and innocence.

Continuity and change is apparent in the punishments that were used in the medieval times. Punishments used in the Middle Ages were cruel, severe or humiliating. Mutilation was a common practice for most crimes. A thief usually had a hand cut off (Tim Nash, The Finer