Penal Methods of the Middle Ages: Criminals, Witches, Lunatics

by George Burnham Ives

"Penal Methods of the Middle Ages: Criminals, Witches, Lunatics" by George Ives is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the penal practices of medieval England, including the treatment of criminals, the infamous witch trials, and the approach to mental illness during that era. Ives delves deeply into the legal and social frameworks that defined punishment, offering insights into the brutality of the times. The opening of the book begins by discussing the ancient origins of prisons and how they evolved into institutions for detaining criminals over time. Ives provides a detailed examination of the early penal system, highlighting the concept of restitution over retribution, the social structures that governed these practices, and the varying penalties meted out to different social classes. He also touches upon various methods of punishment such as fines, mutilations, and slavery, framing them within the context of a society that valued vengeance and personal conflict resolution over a codified legal system.