Medieval Crime and the Role of Church Courts
About This Worksheet
This worksheet explores the causes and consequences of medieval crime, focusing on the role of church courts. It encourages students to analyse the influence of religious authority on crime and justice during the medieval period.
Topics covered:
Worksheet Preview
Full preview • 8 questions
Medieval Crime and the Role of Church Courts
Untitled Worksheet
Introduction to Church Courts
Source A: Excerpt from a medieval church court record 'The defendant, accused of heresy, was brought before the bishop to answer for their beliefs, which were deemed contrary to church teachings.' Provenance: A record from a church court in 1400.
Causes of Crime in Medieval Society
Source B: Excerpt from a medieval chronicler 'Many crimes arose from poverty and the desire for wealth, but also from the influence of evil spirits that tempted people to sin.' Provenance: A chronicler writing in the 1400s.
Consequences of Church Court Proceedings
Source C: A record of a heresy trial 'The accused was sentenced to public penance and exile from the community for denying the teachings of the church.' Provenance: An official record from 1350.
Summary and Reflection
Source D: A historian’s view 'The power of church courts in medieval society was significant, shaping both religious and secular life, but their methods and severity often led to controversy.' Provenance: Modern historian’s analysis.
Quick Actions
What is Remix?
Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.
- • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
- • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
- • Add more questions (10 → 15)
- • Adjust difficulty
Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet