TRIAL BY ORDEAL Meaning and
Definition
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Trial by ordeal is a concept rooted in ancient legal systems, particularly during the medieval period, where the guilt or innocence of an accused person was determined through a supernatural or superstitious means. It was based on the belief that divine intervention would occur during the ordeal and reveal the truth.
The process of trial by ordeal typically involved subjecting the accused to a physically and mentally strenuous test, often involving dangerous or painful tasks. Examples of such ordeals included ordeal by water (where the accused was immersed in water), ordeal by fire (where the accused had to hold a hot iron), or ordeal by battle (where the accused had to fight an opponent to prove their innocence). The outcome of the ordeal was considered a judgment from a higher power and decisive in determining guilt or innocence.
The underlying principle of trial by ordeal was that the innocence or guilt of an individual could be determined by their ability to survive or withstand the ordeal. If the accused emerged physically unharmed or healed quickly, it was taken as a sign of innocence. However, if severe harm or injury occurred, it was interpreted as confirmation of guilt.
Trial by ordeal was eventually phased out as legal systems evolved and included more rational methods, such as evidence, witnesses, and cross-examination. Its abandonment was also driven by the recognition of the inherent injustice and arbitrary nature of determining guilt or innocence through superstitious practices.
Common Misspellings for TRIAL BY ORDEAL
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