Comparative interpretative models of medieval and early modern criminality: using the example of murders

Санжарова, Галина Федорівна and Мацелик, Михайло Олексійович and Санжаров, Валерій Анатолійович (2026) Comparative interpretative models of medieval and early modern criminality: using the example of murders Analytical and Comparative Jurisprudence, 1 (3). pp. 93-98. ISSN 2788-6018

Text G_Sanzharova_M_Macelyk_V_Sanzharov_ACJ_1_3_FRGF.pdf - Published Version Download (301kB)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of modern methods for forming comparative spatial models of violence and murders based on the material of the Middle Ages and Modern Times, and to clarifying the difficulties and prospects of applying the criminological model of the crime scene to historical contexts. The different methodological approaches used by scientists in analyzing sources from the statistical era to interpret trends in the murder rate are analyzed. It is noted that research focused on the quantitative paradigm has made homicide a reliable indicator for measuring interpersonal violence and crime, which characterizes the historical evolution of crime. It is found that England was the starting point for a long and rich debate on the development of the murder rate in Europe and the entire Western world since the late Middle Ages. The authors believe that modern criminological theories studying socio-temporalspatial models of violence (criminology of place, ecological criminology, routine activity theory, social disorganization theory, situational action theory) can be used with certain reservations for a comparative analysis of crime in previous eras. It is noted that spatial analysis of murderous crime, mainly based on English serial material (coroners’ inquests), revealed that 1) the bulk of murders in medieval cities were determined mainly by conflicts between men, 2) murders were caused by fights, insults or group tensions, often occurred in public space; 3) murders corresponded to the rhythms of everyday life and most often occurred in the evenings and on weekends. It is concluded that 1) criminal spaces were places of tension that stimulated criminal opportunities and created a “murderous” situational context (conflicts between townspeople or deep-rooted cycles of revenge); 2) unlike today, there is no spatial concentration of murders in disadvantaged areas; 3) in many respects, the socio-temporal-spatial patterns of medieval murders repeat patterns that are also found in modern cities; 4) the thesis of a general, long-term decline in the level of deadly violence since the end of the Middle Ages requires further study.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Criminal Law; Medieval Criminal Judiciary; Criminality; Violence; Homicide; Death Penalty; Middle Ages
Subjects:	Статті у базах даних > Erih Plus Статті у базах даних > Index Copernicus Статті у періодичних виданнях > Фахові (входять до переліку фахових, затверджений МОН)
Divisions:	Факультет романо-германської філології > Кафедра романської філології
Depositing User:	Галина Федорівна Санжарова
Date Deposited:	27 Aug 2026 09:44
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2026 09:44
URI:	https://elibrary.kubg.edu.ua/id/eprint/59408

Actions (login required)

View Item