'The Norman Conquest (1066) led to significant changes in law enforcement in medieval England.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1

The Norman Conquest of 1066 indeed brought about significant changes in law enforcement in medieval England. One of the primary changes was the introduction of new legal practices and systems that were influenced by Norman rule.

Changes in Law Enforcement Due to the Norman Conquest:

1. Wergild: This was a system of compensation for wrongs inflicted, which was significantly reformed post-conquest. Instead of payment made to the victim's family, payments were more standardized and handled through nobility. This shift provided a more organized approach to justice, ensuring restitution was not just arbitrary but regulated by law.

2. Tithings: The introduction of the tithing system, where groups of ten families were collectively responsible for each other's behavior, was a notable measure that strengthened local law enforcement. This communal responsibility encouraged communities to regulate themselves and maintain peace, vastly differing from the previous, more isolated methods of enforcing law.

Additional Information:
Furthermore, the establishment of the feudal system under the Normans altered local governance and legal authority, with lords taking on more significant roles in maintaining order within their domains. Moreover, the creation of an early form of the jury system can also be attributed to Norman influence, providing a legal framework that became foundational in the development of English law.

In conclusion, while there were pre-existing systems, the Norman Conquest catalyzed a transformative shift towards a more structured and community-oriented enforcement of law in medieval England.