Crime and Punishment in Medieval England · c. 1000 – 1500
The Influence of the Church
Examining Benefit of Clergy, Sanctuary, and the conflict between King and Church.
Key Questions
- 1How did Sanctuary provide a loophole in the medieval legal system?
- 2Why did the "neck verse" allow criminals to escape hanging?
- 3How did the Church and State compete for legal jurisdiction?
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
GCSE: History - Crime and Punishment Through TimeGCSE: History - Medieval England
Year: Year 10
Subject: History
Unit: Crime and Punishment in Medieval England
Period: c. 1000 – 1500
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
More in Crime and Punishment in Medieval England
Anglo-Saxon Law and Order
Exploring tithings, hue and cry, and the role of the community in maintaining peace.
3 methodologies
The Norman Conquest and Legal Change
Analysing the introduction of Forest Laws, Murdrum fines, and the use of Norman-French in courts.
3 methodologies
Trial by Ordeal
Investigating the religious basis for trials by fire, water, and combat, and why they ended in 1215.
3 methodologies
Later Medieval Developments
The rise of Justices of the Peace and the shift towards professionalised local government.
3 methodologies