How did the legal system in medieval France address issues of criminal justice?

In medieval France, the legal system aimed to address issues of criminal justice through a combination of punishment methods and trial procedures. The justice system in medieval France was heavily influenced by feudal practices and maintained a hierarchical structure.

Punishment Methods

Medieval France employed a variety of punishment methods for criminals, including fines, imprisonment, mutilation, and even death. Various forms of corporal punishment, such as flogging or branding, were common for lesser offenses. The most severe crimes could result in execution through methods like hanging, beheading, or burning at the stake.

Trial Procedures

Trials in medieval France were often unfair and biased, with the accused frequently presumed guilty until proven innocent. Trial by combat, where the accused fought a duel to assert their innocence, was a common method of trial. Ordeal trials, such as trial by fire or trial by water, were also used to determine guilt or innocence based on divine intervention.

Overall, the legal system in medieval France approached criminal justice with a punitive mindset, often prioritizing retribution over rehabilitation or due process.