[Implements of crime depicted on penitential crosses]

This paper focuses on presenting the issue of the so-called penitential crosses, i.e. stone crosses with carved images of implements of crime. The author compares medieval homicide implements with contemporary ones. The result of this examination demonstrates that implements used to commit crimes in Middle Ages did not undergo substantial changes over the centuries, with the medieval sword, knife and battleaxe having been replaced by a modern knife and a hatchet. Penitential crosses are also presented from the historical perspective. The report describes legal and criminological aspects of penitential crosses, referring such aspects to contemporary penal regulations. Furthermore, this paper is illustrated with photographs showing penitential crosses with carvings of crime implements.