The Significance and Factors of Trial by Ordeal in Medieval Crime
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This worksheet explores the importance and causes of Trial by Ordeal during the Medieval period, encouraging students to categorize, compare, and justify factors influencing this practice.
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The Significance and Factors of Trial by Ordeal in Medieval Crime
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Introduction to Trial by Ordeal
During the Medieval period, Trial by Ordeal was a common method used to determine guilt or innocence. It involved physical tests believed to be guided by divine intervention.
Source A: Description of Trial by Ordeal
'In the ordeal, the accused might be made to hold a hot iron or submerge their hand in boiling water. If they were unharmed or healed quickly, they were deemed innocent.' Provenance: Medieval legal manual, 13th century.
Factors Influencing the Decline of Trial by Ordeal
As legal systems developed, Trial by Ordeal gradually declined. Several factors contributed to this change.
Source B: Legal Reforms
'In the 13th century, the Church and the monarchy introduced new laws emphasizing evidence and witness testimony over divine tests.' Provenance: Medieval legal reform document, 1275.
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- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet