Medieval Crime: Church Courts and Their Interpretations

History
GCSE / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
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Medieval Crime: Church Courts and Their Interpretations

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of Church Courts in Medieval Crime

Historian A: Professor John Smith – Economic Perspective

'Professor Smith argues that Church Courts were primarily driven by economic motives. He suggests that they used religious authority to impose fines and confiscate property, which benefited the Church financially. Smith highlights that church officials often exploited their legal power to increase wealth, viewing crime as an opportunity for economic gain rather than purely moral or social correction.'

Historian B: Dr. Emily Johnson – Social Perspective

'Dr. Johnson emphasizes the social functions of Church Courts. She believes they played a crucial role in maintaining social order and moral discipline. According to her, Church Courts aimed to reform offenders and uphold community standards. Johnson argues that their focus was less on financial gain and more on moral correction, helping to control behaviour and reinforce social cohesion.'

1.
Summarize the main view of Historian A about the role of Church Courts.
[2 marks]
2.
Summarize the main view of Historian B about the role of Church Courts.
[2 marks]
3.
Compare the reasons why the two historians' views of Church Courts differ.
[4 marks]
4.
Which interpretation do you find more convincing and why? (6 marks)
[6 marks]
5.
Outline the main functions of Church Courts in medieval society.
[3 marks]
6.
Explain why some historians believe Church Courts were more focused on financial gain than moral reform.
[4 marks]
7.
Analyze the importance of context when interpreting historians' views on Church Courts.
[6 marks]

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Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet