Crime and punishment in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, crime and punishment were heavily influenced by the church and feudal system. Crimes ranged from theft to heresy, often seen as offenses against God. Punishments were severe and lacked standardization, including public shaming, imprisonment, or corporal punishments like flogging or mutilation. Trials could involve ordeals, where divine intervention determined guilt. The concept of justice was intertwined with morality and social order, with punishments meant to deter crime and uphold religious and societal values. As time progressed, more structured legal systems began to develop, leading toward modern notions of justice and law.