Note 34 — Chapter V · Trial by Ordeal.
Reading edition
Finlason’s note to I. Reeve’s History English Law, p. 201.
Pollock, in his “Anglo-Saxon Law,” says “A man of good repute could usually clear himself by oath, but circumstances of grave suspicion or previous bad character, would drive the defendant to stand his trial by ordeal.” I. Essays in Anglo-American Legal History, p. 93.