Medieval justice was often based on local customs and the authority of the lord or king. Courts were held in villages or towns, where judges would hear cases involving theft, disputes, and other crimes. Punishments varied widely, from fines to public humiliation, and even execution for serious offenses. The legal system relied heavily on trial by ordeal or trial by combat to determine guilt or innocence. These methods were based on the belief that divine intervention would protect the innocent. As a result, the outcomes were often unpredictable and reflected the era's limited understanding of law and justice.