I'm learning abt punishment and crime that happened in England and how persons had to undergo ordeals by trials. Question I'm having trouble with is why people and whole village in general had to come as first finders and be in mercy when they didn't observe finding body?

And what were ideologies of this society that contributed to need of such a duty ?

Did you read what I posted for you?

I don't know what "first finders" means, either. See if you can find what you want in any of these articles:

http://www.bing.com/search?q=idological%2Freligious+influences+in+mediaeval+crime+and+punishment+in+england&form=EDGNTC&qs=PF&cvid=f06a2659a771464bb2520cba0872d394&pq=idological%2Freligious%20influences%20in%20mediaeval%20crime%20and%20punishment%20in%20england

In medieval England, the legal system relied heavily on the idea of collective responsibility and community participation. One aspect of this was the requirement for people to act as "first finders" or "hue and cry" in cases of crime or suspicious activities. This duty was part of the broader concept of the "posse comitatus," which mandated collective action to maintain law and order.

The primary rationale behind the requirement for first finders to report crimes or findings, even if they didn't witness the incident themselves, was based on the assumption that individuals within a community were responsible for the security and well-being of one another. It was believed that by enforcing a duty to report, the community as a whole could help prevent and deter criminal activities. This sense of communal responsibility also served as a means to ensure social order and maintain harmony within the village or town.

The ideology of this society was strongly rooted in the concept of a hierarchical structure, where responsibility and authority were shared among different layers of society. This system often prioritized the collective welfare over individual rights. The duty of first finders reflected the belief that maintaining law and order was a communal obligation rather than the sole responsibility of law enforcement authorities. Failure to fulfill this duty was often seen as a breach of societal expectations and trust.

The punishments for individuals who failed to report crimes or findings varied depending on the severity of the offense and local laws. Common penalties included fines, public shaming, imprisonment, or even physical punishment. The fear of legal consequences, social scorn, and the desire to fulfill their obligations often served as the driving force for people to conform to this duty.

Understanding the ideologies and social structures of historical societies is crucial in comprehending the context and reasons behind certain practices. By examining these historical contexts, we gain insights into how societies functioned, how laws were enforced, and how notions of crime and punishment were perceived.