Like a crafty lawyer, Thomas of Monmouth sets out to prove two things: William of Norwich was a saintly martyr and his murder was the result of a conspiracy among the Jews of Norwich. Imagine this as a police and courtroom drama. What aspects of Thomas’ arguments resemble those in a modern trial or inquiry? Which do not? Why not? What kinds of evidence are “admitted”? What are the strengths and weaknesses of “witnesses” and their testimony? What roles do the different civil and church authorities play? Can you propose alternative explanations for the crime and support them with evidence from his text? How are the “proofs” of sanctity related to the inquiry into the crime? How do Thomas’ arguments exploit prejudices against the Jews? Is this similar to the role of prejudice in courtroom proceedings today? Address any ONE or TWO of these questions and make specific references to the Life.