Nobles and Crimes

Nobles often used their influence and social station to evade punishment, and having a band of armed retainers certainly helped to dissuade minor cases being brought against them. This particularly became a problem in the WF period as warfare and social change stressed legal processes, giving rise to gentlemen brigands such as Sir Thomas Malory (who wrote Le Morte D’Arthur) and German robber-knights.

In bringing charges against a vassal, magnates generally had to be able to prove any accusation, with at least an appearance of fairness even if a trial was conducted in an overlord’s own court, as mutual trust and good faith were the basis of feudal bonds. Serious charges laid against one of their peers, unless outrageously heinous, might be held by vassals as cause to examine their own loyally, with support for an overlord who acted in a blatantly unjust manner often being denied.

The noble and knightly classes could also face additional penalties that affected them particularly. Mostly these involved disgrace with the temporary or permanent loss of reputation and Honour. Such dishonour might be restored by performance of some notable deed, or might also include the forfeit of lands and or titles. These might be passed to a near relation (in order not to totally alienate other nobles), or might revert back to the crown. The later being often accompanied by banishment for life upon pain of death.