How were criminals caught in Medieval Times?

Answer 1

There are two kinds of law-breakers: those who have been caught and those who haven't. Criminals are caught, tried, and judged. In the Middle Ages, the result of judgment was usually a fine. Cash on the barrel head covered an astonishing variety of crimes, even up to and including murder. Whipping, branding, and dismemberment was another common punishment. Jail time was by comparison rather rare. There weren't all that many jails, they were particularly large, and anyway it was expensive to keep a criminal locked up. But jail time certainly was another form of punishment. If you weren't caught, then you were outlawed. That is, the lord (a king or some royal court) declared that you were beyond the law. This meant that you did not enjoy any legal protections. Your property and possessions could be confiscated, and you yourself could be killed on sight without penalty to the killer. About the only way out of this conundrum was to find a way to get into the king's presence and beg for mercy, a risky proposition. Most chose exile, if they were rich enough. Most commoners who became outlaws were ones who refused to obey a summons to court, usually because they expected conviction. Common folk fled to some other part of the country, or to Another Country. There they might find work, but they might also simply become a bandit. They didn't necessarily flee so far, however. The forests and swamps of Europe were formidable places in the Middle Ages, and a man could disappear into them easily. When the bandit had formerly been a minor noble or wealthy peasant, he still had plenty of friends in the neighborhood, who could help him and hide him at need. He also had relatives, and through them could still exert a certain influence.

Answer 2

Criminals were caught by the police forces that were enforced in 1829. Even though the general public did not agree with this (as they always caught the criminals themselves) they had to relate to their parish constable and understand the police forces actions. For more information go to BBC history website.