The Priesthood in the Evolution of Anglo-American Criminal Procedure

Authors

John Langbein, Yale Law School
Thomas J. McSweeney, William & Mary Law SchoolFollow
William M. M. Kamin, Catholic University of America School of Law

Abstract

A panel discussion on the priesthood’s role in post-Norman-Conquest factfinding procedures like compurgation, the ordeals, and trial by battle, as well as how the priesthood’s subsequent withdrawal from those roles (under the Fourth Lateran Council) served to shape the development of the jury and modern Anglo-American trial procedure more generally.

Streaming Media

Document Type

Interview

Publication Information

Center for the Constitution and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, Catholic University of America (February 11, 2026)

Comments

Transcript available via YouTube.

Repository Citation

Langbein, John; McSweeney, Thomas J.; and Kamin, William M. M., "The Priesthood in the Evolution of Anglo-American Criminal Procedure" (2026). Popular Media. 654.
https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/popular_media/654