Explain the focus of the legal systems in the early Middle Ages, how they were used to settle and prevent disputes, and how they affected different classes differently.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The early Middle Ages in Europe did not have complex systems of state-administered punishments. Existing legal systems were primarily focused on regulating the relationships and interactions among persons who were equal in status and wealth. The legal system was constructed within a society that had sufficient land to support a growing population and maintain a certain standard of living. Criminal law was about the maintenance of public order among persons of comparable social status. This legal system was essentially a private arbitration system that relied almost exclusively on fines as compensation for an offense. An affront to decency, morality, or religion was generally resolved by a body of free men (almost always landowners) who would meet and impose a fine (“wergild”) as penance to the victimized party. The goal of the body of free men was to prevent individual disputes from escalating into family blood feuds or open warfare. In this social order, criminal acts were viewed as acts of war. In the absence of strong centralized states, public peace was very fragile. Even the smallest quarrel could erupt into violence.