The Crime:
* Premeditation: Murder was considered a heinous crime, especially if it was premeditated. The act itself was seen as a direct attack on the divine order and a violation of the law of God and the King.
* Social Status: The social status of both the victim and the perpetrator significantly affected the severity of the crime. Murdering someone of higher rank was considered a more egregious offense than killing someone of lower status.
* Motivation: The motive for murder was also a key factor. Passionate crimes, like murder in a fit of rage, were often treated more leniently than cold-blooded killings for personal gain.
The Punishment:
* Death: The most common punishment for murder was death, usually by hanging.
* Hanging: The condemned person was hanged on a public gallows, often in front of a large crowd. This served as a deterrent to future crime and a symbolic reminder of the consequences of breaking the law.
* Other Methods: In some cases, other forms of execution might be used, such as burning at the stake for heresy or treason, or beheading for individuals of high social status.
* Exile: In some cases, depending on the circumstances and the social status of the perpetrator, exile could be an alternative punishment. This involved being banished from the country, often to a distant and dangerous land.
* Trial by Combat: While less common, trial by combat was still a possibility in Elizabethan times. In this practice, the accused could challenge the accuser to a duel to settle the dispute. This was often a risky gamble, as the winner was decided by God's will, not necessarily by skill.
Other Factors:
* The Law: English common law defined murder as the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. This definition was interpreted broadly, with even accidental deaths sometimes leading to criminal charges.
* The Justice System: The Elizabethan legal system was complex and often based on precedent and interpretation. It could be difficult to navigate, and the outcome of a trial could depend on the social standing of the accused and the persuasiveness of their lawyers.
* Public Opinion: Public opinion also played a role in shaping the punishment for murder. If a murder was particularly heinous or involved a popular victim, there was a greater likelihood of a harsh sentence.
In conclusion, murder in Elizabethan times was a serious crime with severe consequences. The punishment depended on various factors, but the most common outcome was death.