Why Executions In the Middle Ages Were Needed - Essay

Executions
6/14/11
Purple

     Many people consider "An eye for an eye" to be immoral.  During the Middle Ages there were multiple ways someone could get executed.  It was a common thing for people to go and watch executions, even children.  It was a form of entertainment that most people enjoyed.  Another pro to executions was that it made people think twice about committing crimes.  Therefore, executions were appropriate during this time period.
     In Europe during the middle ages the murder rate was much higher than it is today.  Vagrancy, theft, and capital crimes were all crimes that could have someone executed.  Most convicted felons were hung and the beheading was saved for the noblemen and women.  In Medievil Times, jails were rarely used as a punishment.  Medievil courts were very different from modern day courts.  Trials were often unfair and unbalanced.  Accused felons were deinied legal representation.  Felons that refused to confess their guilt in court were crushed to death with weights.  Anyone who was convicted of high treason was hung, drawn, and quartered.  Although, not every punishment was worthy of death.  People would be humilliated in front of the town or village by being put in the stocks or ducking stools and getting whipped.
     Public executions in the Middle Ages hapenned almost daily.  People looked forward to going to executions.  It was one of the most popular forms of entertainment.  An attendence of all ages watched these executions.  It was a part of everyday life to go to the center of the town or village and view these events.
     During the Middle Ages the crime rate was extremely high.  The law enforcement at the time struggled.  People would steel, murder, and commit other crimes and still get away with it.  Public executions were one of the few ways to tell people not to commit crimes.  When people went to these executions the message that was supposed to be sent was that if they committed crimes they would be executed just like the people they watched.  After executions, the bodies would be left to warn other people about breaking the law. 
     During the Middle Ages executions were needed.  It provided entertainment and a warning the community about breaking the law.