Trial by ordeal

Trial by ordeal was a method used in medieval times to determine a person's guilt or innocence through a risky test or physical challenge. The idea was that if the accused was innocent, divine intervention would protect them, while guilt would result in harm or failure. Common ordeals included holding a hot piece of iron, submerging in water, or surviving a dangerous situation. The outcomes were believed to reflect a moral judgment from a higher power. While it aimed to deliver justice, it was often arbitrary and could lead to tragic consequences for the innocent. Trial by ordeal eventually fell out of favor as legal systems evolved.