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Explain why the role of local communities in law enforcement changed in the years c1000–c1700 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 4
Explain why the role of local communities in law enforcement changed in the years c1000–c1700. You may use the following in your answer: • trial by ordeal • watchme... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why the role of local communities in law enforcement changed in the years c1000–c1700 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
trial by ordeal
Answer
In the early medieval period, trial by ordeal was a common practice where local communities played a critical role in law enforcement. The process involved subjecting an accused person to a physical test, believing that divine intervention would reveal their guilt or innocence. This method relied heavily on the participation of community members as witnesses and assessors of the trial outcome. However, as societal norms evolved by the early modern period, this practice was seen as barbaric and unreliable, leading to a gradual shift towards more formal legal processes.
Step 2
watchmen
Answer
By the late medieval period, the introduction of watchmen marked a significant change in law enforcement. These individuals were often appointed by local authorities to patrol neighborhoods, deter crime, and respond to disturbances. This shift from community-led trials to a more structured approach represented a growing urbanization and the rise of a more organized form of policing. The role of watchmen became critical as communities sought to maintain order and safety without relying solely on traditional methods.
Step 3
Use of Information of Your Own
Answer
Moreover, the changing legal framework, such as the establishment of formal courts and laws in the 16th and 17th centuries, diminished the reliance on local customs and community-led initiatives. Increasingly, the state began to assume responsibility for law enforcement, leading to a decline in the role of local communities. Such changes also reflected a broader societal transformation that favored structured governance over communal decision-making in legal matters.