CRM 1301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Hands Tied, Stuffo, Assizes
17 Jul 2014
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Power of kings: realist philosphy in middle ages: presumed power exercised by rulers of states ordained by god, divine right of kings: monarch inhereited authority from god therefore: Source or abuse of power shouldn"t be questioned. All property used owned by monarch (their loss is monarch"s loss) avoid losing proprty and paying a fine. Tried to create additional crimes: highest court: king"s bench, judges unfairly delegated fate of subjects. Unsuccessful: made his law, guilty: ordeal: major option of the court, rested upon religious assumption that god wouldn"t let an innocent man die unless he lied. Grasp hot iron and carry or hot bowl of water and get stone. Bandage hand for 3 nights, if not healed = guilty. Freeman went to tiral by hot water unfreeman (serf) went to trial by cold water. Cursed morsel: swallow food with feather, innocent if didn"t choke: battle: accused fought accuser to death, innocent if alive, guilty = hanged.
