Crime and Punishment: Saxon Trials

Trial by jury

Local men listened to the accuser and accused.

If there was no eyewitness or clear evidence, they judged character and reputation.

This could be practical in small villages, but it could also be biased.

Oaths and compurgation

Oaths were taken seriously because lying under oath risked the soul.

Compurgation meant people swore that a person was truthful or guilty.

The system shows how law and religion were closely linked.

Trial by ordeal

Trial by hot iron made the accused carry a burning-hot iron for five paces.

Trial by hot water made the accused retrieve an object from boiling water.

If the wound healed cleanly after three days, the accused was judged innocent.

Blessed bread

Priests could take trial by blessed bread.

Swallowing the holy bread suggested innocence; choking suggested guilt.

It was less violent than hot iron or hot water, but still superstitious.