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As a last resort, and extremely rarely, a medieval trial might be decided by Combat or by Ordeal. In the case of combat, the parties could each appoint a Champion to fight for them. The idea was that, in the combat, God would favour the right. Similarly with the ordeal. A common ordeal was to pick an object, with a bare hand, out of boiling water. Again, the theological basis of the ordeal was that God would give courage to the party in the right - maybe even a miracle. Psychologically, of course, it could work too - as the party in the wrong would be less likely to brave the pain. The reason, however, why such trials are rare is that they were only needed in cases which a Judge could not decide; and in cases so marginal, the difference between right and wrong, even in the minds of the parties, is by definition unclear.

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Related Questions

Was Trial by compurgation used to replace trial by ordeal?

no it was not


What are some disadvantages of trial by ordeal?

what is the disadcantages of trial by ordeal


Why was all fate decided by trial by ordeal in the middle ages?

The belief then during the Middle Ages was that he who has not done wrong will be protected by the gods and that by doing the trial by ordeal, the innocent ones would survive the ordeal as they will be protected by the gods.


Why did trial by ordeal end?

I do not have any idea sorry


When did trial by ordeal in middle ages start?

Trial by ordeal did not originate in the Middle Ages. It probably developed in prehistory, but certainly existed in the earliest historic periods. There is a link below.


What is ordeal?

an extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.


What is it meant by 'Trial by ordeal' and 'trial by jury?

Trial by ordeal is where you do trials to see if you were guilty or not and Trail by jury is where you have a group of people who decide or help give a second opinion to the judge with wether you were guilty or not.


What is the difference between trial by jury and trial by ordeal?

Trial by jury involves a group of impartial individuals who decide the verdict based on evidence presented in court, while trial by ordeal relies on a physical test or ritual to determine guilt or innocence, often involving supernatural elements. Trial by jury is based on reasoned analysis and legal principles, while trial by ordeal is based on superstition and a belief in divine intervention.


What are some disadvantages of trial of ordeal?

cant theoretically find truth


What is the meaning of ordeal?

An ancient form of test to determine guilt or innocence, by appealing to a supernatural decision, -- once common in Europe, and still practiced in the East and by savage tribes., Any severe trial, or test; a painful experience., Of or pertaining to trial by ordeal.


What is the origin of the term trial by fire?

The term trial by fire originated from the ancient judicial practice of trial by ordeal. An ordeal was something unpleasant or dangerous that an accused person was subjected to in order to prove innocence. Fire was one of the ordeals used at the time. Many of these trials led to death.


What were the three methods of determining innocence in Germanic law?

compensation trial by ordeal oath swearing