Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, laws and punishments varied from country to country, sometimes even from city to city. The type of justice and the punishments inflicted in the Middle Ages often "fit" the crime in very literal ways.

Late twentieth century: Modern legal systems eschew "eye for an eye" retributive justice. The legal systems of most nations purport to be fair and objective, with rehabilitation being a primary goal.

Middle Ages: Vengeance—revenge for a wrong done—is seen as an equitable form of justice.

Late twentieth century: Justice is commonly interpreted as punishment for the guilty and preservation of the innocent. Revenge is not supposed to be a reason for seeking justice.

Middle Ages: Kingship was hereditary. Rulers in the Middle Ages had almost unlimited power and control over their subjects.

Late twentieth century: Most monarchs are primarly figureheads...