Crime and Punishment

The Wheel of Torture (Breaking Wheel)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

You will learn:

• About Crime and Punishment in the medieval era.

• Outline the main features of crime and punishment in the medieval era and how these differed depending on social class.

THE NATURE OF CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

What is a crime?

There have been many definitions for crime throughout the centuries. A crime in one society is not necessarily considered a crime in another. Therefore, crime is best thought of as an action that breaks a law, or is considered wrong, in the society it is committed in.

What is punishment?

A punishment is a penalty that is given to somebody for breaking a law or doing something that is considered wrong.

ACTIVITY

Write your own definition of what crime and punishment is. Include one example of something you think would be a crime in any society, and the punishment for it.

Watch the following short clip on Crime and Punishment in the Middle Ages. As you watch, complete the table below

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