Source A: Medieval Account of Trial by Ordeal

"In medieval times, when guilt was uncertain, the accused would undergo a dangerous test believed to reveal divine judgment. One common ordeal was to hold a red-hot iron; if the wound healed cleanly, the person was considered innocent. Another ordeal involved submerging the hand in boiling water; if the burn was not infected, they were believed to be cleared of guilt. These tests were based on the belief that God would guide the outcome and reveal the truth. Such methods were used to decide guilt or innocence when evidence was lacking, and people trusted divine intervention to ensure justice. The church and local lords oversaw these trials, and the accused had little choice but to submit, trusting in divine justice to prevail.

Provenance: Historical report written by a medieval monk, 14th century, describing popular justice practices.