Judging sexy women in late medieval France

Abstract Blindfolded Lady Justice with her scales rarely features in modern representations of medieval European justice. Instead, it is the female sexual sinner bound to stake for burning who dominates imaginings. This reflects a widespread perception criminal justice as committed fierce judicial repression women, and women’s activity particular; an idea that persists scholarly circles well popular imagination despite growing body evidence contrary. Working primarily from records late northern France, this article demonstrates fact medievalism, imagining about Middle Ages. It attributes authorities disciplining punishing bodies sexuality instead emerged only patriarchies. Heeding difference allows us recognise Medieval Europe patriarchal darkness another kind: world able maintain stark gender inequity without any such use powers.