For centuries, the medieval period, which Is often referred to as the “Dark Ages,” has been used to illustrate a period of rational stagnation, backwardness, and lawlessness. However, it has been questionable over time to characterize the entire period on such grounds. Nevertheless, specific challenges existed, and so are significant differences related to other epochs; the medieval period witnessed the development and execution of various legal systems and mechanisms to maintain law and order. Due to such actions in the legal field, this paper is therefore much determined on matters “Dark stage” and exploring the intricate fabric of law and order that happened to be in place during the medieval period.
To begin with, the term “Dark Ages” came into existence during the Rebirth to contrast with their time’s perceived cultural and intellectual improvements. The medieval period, roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, was described by the Western Roman Empire’s fall leading to several successor states’ rise. (Kaufman et al,. 2020)However, the “Dark Ages” notion oversimplifies and overlooks this era’s complications and innovations. Contrary to the label “Dark Ages,” the medieval period significantly favored the emergence and evolution of legal systems that, as a result, served a crucial role in upholding social order. (Mühlfried, 2022) The feudalism system, a dominant structure then, was fundamentally based on a system of rights and commitment. The Lords, vassals, and serfs were destined by standard agreements and legitimate codes that administered their interactions. However, much hierarchical this system was, it extensively provided for stability as well as order in the early communities.
To add on the same, the influence of the Church played a substantial role in shaping legal norms, especially the introduction of Canon law, which was established and administered by the Church, and found a comprehensive legal framework governing various aspects of medieval life. The Church courts had their judges and procedures that, in turn, ensured the enforcement of these laws. Additionally, secular laws, such as the Visigoth Code, the Lex Salica, and the Magna Carta, contributed significantly to the legal field since they provided guidelines for governance and justice. (Kuskowski, 2022) After such laws and orders were formed, which were relatively significant in medieval communities, a need arose to maintain them for sustainability. To ensure compliance with the same, various policies were formulated to support them. Therefore, those who occupied the highest positions in society, like the Kings and lords, selected executives, such as the sheriffs, who were responsible for upholding the law and protecting their territories. They maintained the same through administering justice as well as collecting taxes. Apart from the legal personnel, the courts also served a crucial role in arbitrating disputes and enforcing laws.
To conclude, it is critical to identify the development and application of legal systems and mechanisms to maintain law and order. Feudalism, canon law, secular laws, courts, and dispute resolution methods were vital in ensuring social permanence and integrity. By understanding the difficulties of decree and order in the medieval period, one can, as a result, gain a much more nuanced viewpoint on this era.
Reference
Kaufman, A. S., & Sturtevant, P. B. (2020). The Devil’s Historians: How Modern Extremists Abuse the Medieval Past. In Google Books. University of Toronto Press. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=OMTnDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=%22Dark+Ages%22+came+into+existence+during+the+Rebirth+to+contrast+with+the+perceived+cultural+and+intellectual+improvements+of+their+time.+The+medieval+period
Kuskowski, A. M. (2022). Vernacular Law: Writing and the Reinvention of Customary Law in Medieval France. In Google Books. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=bVKXEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=Additionally
Mühlfried, F. (2022). Ungovernance and Spiritual Feudalism in Northeast Highland Georgia. Caucasus Survey, 10(1), 25–42. https://doi.org/10.30965/23761202-20220006
write