The Anglo-Saxon period marked a significant era in British legal history, establishing fundamental principles of law and order that would influence later medieval justice systems.
During the Anglo-Saxon period, communities were organized into tithings - groups of ten households responsible for maintaining order and bringing criminals to justice. The concept of Wergild was central to their justice system, where monetary compensation was paid to victims' families based on their social status. This system helped prevent blood feuds and maintained social harmony. Crimes were typically handled locally, with communities taking collective responsibility for their members' actions.
The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought significant changes to the legal system, including the introduction of Forest Laws. These strict regulations protected royal hunting grounds and imposed severe penalties for violations. The Murdrum fine was another Norman innovation, requiring entire communities to pay heavy fines if a Norman was killed and the murderer wasn't found. Medieval justice became increasingly centralized and harsh, with punishments ranging from fines to physical mutilation and execution. The church also played a crucial role in medieval justice, offering sanctuary to criminals and conducting trials by ordeal. Medieval crimes and punishments varied widely, from petty theft to serious offenses like treason. Common Medieval punishments included the stocks, pillory, ducking stool, and more severe forms like hanging or burning at the stake. This period saw the development of a more structured legal system, though one that often employed cruel methods by modern standards. The justice system reflected the strict social hierarchy and religious beliefs of medieval society, with punishment severity often depending on the criminal's social status and the nature of their crime.
