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Murdrum was a medieval English legal principle that evolved to protect the Norman ruling class after the 1066 conquest. Initially a deterrent against secret killings, it later included a 'Norman clause' to prevent violence against Normans, reflecting the era's social hierarchies and the law's adaptability to political changes.
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The Murdrum Law imposed a fine on the hundred in medieval England if a murder occurred and the killer was not apprehended
Deterrence
The Murdrum Law was initially designed to deter clandestine killings and promote public order
Protection
After the Norman Conquest, the Murdrum Law shifted its focus to protecting the Norman ruling class
The Murdrum Law evolved from a general deterrent to a mechanism for protecting a specific group, reflecting the changing political landscape
The Norman Conquest led to the adaptation of the Murdrum Law to specifically protect the Normans, the new ruling elite
The introduction of the 'Norman clause' in the Murdrum Law presumed that an unidentified slain person was a Norman, thus imposing steeper penalties for violence against the Norman conquerors
The 'Norman clause' in the Murdrum Law reflected the racial and social hierarchies of the time, prioritizing the safety of Normans over the native English population
Deterrence and Social Stability
The Murdrum Law was initially perceived as a measure to prevent anonymous killings and promote community vigilance and social stability
Social Control and Protection
The 'Norman clause' in the Murdrum Law has been interpreted as a means of social control by the elite and a mechanism for protecting their interests
The Murdrum Law left a lasting imprint on the study of medieval European legal history, highlighting its role in managing society and adapting to political changes
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The ______ law was designed to prevent secret killings and maintain ______ by making the community responsible for finding the murderer or facing a collective monetary penalty.
Murdrum
public order
01
Origin of Murdrum Law
Pre-Norman rule, no specific group favored; aimed to deter secret murders.
02
Norman Clause Impact
Presumed unidentified victims as Normans, ensuring heavy fines to protect Normans.
