The Middle Ages dawned in Europe from 500 CE – 1500 CE and were times of gory, injustice and feudalistic law systems. The Medieval era experienced alteration and progression in the areas of law and order that has influenced our modern world. Alteration and progression was evident in the parts of punishments and power of the king.
Feudalistic lifestyles were in place and punishment underwent significant development in the Anglo-Saxon times. Punishments evolved because "tribes grew in size and complexity" (G MCGURK, 2006). However, in 500CE-800CE, Anglo-Saxon rulers punished people via processes called folkmoot and tithing groups. Folkmoot was the start of the jury system and was used to determine guilt or innocence and tithing groups involved placing anyone older than twelve in a group of ten. Members of this group were responsible for other members actions and were responsible for bringing justice to all members, if …show more content…
Tithing groups and folkmoots issued punishments that included hanging or burning to death. G MCGURK states that punishments changed in 800CE onwards because "......execution or imprisonment would have a negative effect on the whole family or community.” (G MCGURK, 2006). He continues to say that public humiliation and fines became much more practical for minor crimes and major crimes now experienced “mutilation; the removal or a limb or other part of the body.” (G MCGURK, 2006). UK National Archives state that execution such as hanging or beheading remained for major crimes such as treason or murder (UK National Archives, 2002). This torture continued until the reign of King John (1199) where punishments took a turn for the good of all people because of ‘The Magna Carta’. The Magna Carta (created in 1215, again written ten years later) was a life changing document, signed by King John, that provided rights to towns people and later abolished torture. Rights were provided, and torture
Feudalistic lifestyles were in place and punishment underwent significant development in the Anglo-Saxon times. Punishments evolved because "tribes grew in size and complexity" (G MCGURK, 2006). However, in 500CE-800CE, Anglo-Saxon rulers punished people via processes called folkmoot and tithing groups. Folkmoot was the start of the jury system and was used to determine guilt or innocence and tithing groups involved placing anyone older than twelve in a group of ten. Members of this group were responsible for other members actions and were responsible for bringing justice to all members, if …show more content…
Tithing groups and folkmoots issued punishments that included hanging or burning to death. G MCGURK states that punishments changed in 800CE onwards because "......execution or imprisonment would have a negative effect on the whole family or community.” (G MCGURK, 2006). He continues to say that public humiliation and fines became much more practical for minor crimes and major crimes now experienced “mutilation; the removal or a limb or other part of the body.” (G MCGURK, 2006). UK National Archives state that execution such as hanging or beheading remained for major crimes such as treason or murder (UK National Archives, 2002). This torture continued until the reign of King John (1199) where punishments took a turn for the good of all people because of ‘The Magna Carta’. The Magna Carta (created in 1215, again written ten years later) was a life changing document, signed by King John, that provided rights to towns people and later abolished torture. Rights were provided, and torture