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How did the medieval practice of "trial by ordeal" influence modern legal systems?

Trial by ordeal was a common judicial practice in medieval Europe, where the guilt or innocence of an individual was determined through physically challenging tests, such as walking over hot coals or retrieving an object from boiling water. These practices were predicated on the belief that divine intervention would protect the innocent. Although trial by ordeal was eventually abolished, its legacy prompted significant discussions around fairness and justice, which shaped the development of modern judicial processes. Understanding its influence helps illustrate the evolution of evidentiary standards and legal thought in contemporary society.

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