Case study 1 - the influence of the Church in the 13th century Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Case study 1 - the influence of the Church in the 13th century Deck (5)
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1
Q

What was Sanctuary?

A

If someone trying to escape capture could get to a church before being caught, sanctuary could be claimed.

No-one could remove them - they were under the church’s protection

They had 40 days to decide whether to face trial or leave the country

2
Q

What was Benefit of Clergy?

A

When someone claimed to have the right to be tried in a church court.

The accused would need to read a verse from the Bible to prove clergy membership (as usually only they could read). This was quickly circumvented when someone would learn to read a verse, which became dubbed the ‘neck verse’ (it could save you from the hangman’s noose)

3
Q

Why was trial by ordeal used?

A

If the jury couldn’t reach a verdict, the accuser was subjected to a supposed test from God - e.g. trial by blessed bread

4
Q

When was trial by ordeal abolished and why?

A

1215

It was abolished due to being unreliable - ultimately, some innocent people would be found guilty and vice versa; it was based entirely on luck

5
Q

What was a church court? Who introduced them to England?

A

A court which was more lenient, where church members would be tried.

No matter what crime was committed, the person couldn’t be sentenced to death

They were introduced by the Normans