Each
combatant first swore to the truth of his cause and undertook to
prove by his body the truth of his cause by making the other
surrender by crying "craven" [craving forgiveness]. The combatants
used weapons like pick-axes and shields. Presumably the man in the
wrong would not fight as well because he was burdened with a
guilty conscience. Although this trial was thought to reflect
God's will, it favored the physically fit and adept person. After
losing the trial by combat, the guilty person would be punished
appropriately.
London had its own traditions. All London citizens met at its
folkmoot, which was held three times a year to determine its
public officers, to raise matters of public concern, and to make
ordinances. Its criminal court had the power of outlawry as did
the county courts. Trade, land, and other civil issues were dealt
with by the Hustings Court, which met every Monday in the
Guildhall. The city was divided into wards, each of which was
under the charge of an elected alderman [elder man]. (The election
was by a small governing body and the most wealthy and reputable
men and not a popular election.) The aldermen had special
knowledge of the law and a duty to declare it at the Hustings
Court. Each alderman also conducted wardmoots in his ward and
decided criminal and civil issues between its residents. Within
the wards were the guilds of the city.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142