Laws, and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Summary

The "Laws" section has excerpts from three known examples of written laws. The "Laws of Wihtred" are decrees of Wihtred, King of Kent, which he has made into law with the consent of the Church. Most of these laws are technicalities having to do with members of the clergy interacting with the rest of society, and there are also a lot of details concerning proper relations between masters and servants or slaves. The short piece on "Trial by Ordeal" offers less moral direction but is certainly a stimulating read. If an accused person asks for it, they can plunge their hand into boiling water to determine their guilt or innocence, instead of appealing to a jury or judge. The accused is then bandaged and after three days, if the wound is healing and not infected...