History of English law facts for kids
The History of English Law is all about how the rules and laws in England have changed over many, many years. It's like tracing the story of how people decided what was fair, what was allowed, and how to solve disagreements.
Contents
What is English Law's History?
The history of English law tells us how the legal system in England grew and developed. It covers everything from ancient customs to modern laws made by Parliament. Understanding this history helps us see why our laws are the way they are today.
Early Beginnings: Anglo-Saxon Laws
Before the Norman Conquest in 1066, England had laws based on local customs and traditions. These were known as Anglo-Saxon law. They were often spoken rules, passed down through generations. They covered things like property, crimes, and how to settle disputes.
The Norman Conquest and Common Law
When William the Conqueror took over England in 1066, he brought new ideas about law and government. Over time, judges started to travel around the country, hearing cases and making decisions. They began to apply similar rules everywhere. This led to the development of "Common law". It's called "common" because it became the law that was common to everyone across England, instead of different local rules.
Important Steps in Law Making
Over the centuries, many important documents and ideas shaped English law:
- Magna Carta (1215): This famous document was signed by King John. It was a big step because it limited the power of the king and said that even the king had to follow the law. It also protected some rights for free people.
- Parliament's Role: As time went on, Parliament (a group of elected representatives) became more important in making laws. Today, most new laws in England are made by Parliament.
How Courts and Juries Developed
The way justice is delivered also changed a lot.
- Courts: The courts are places where legal cases are heard and decided. Over time, different types of courts were set up to handle different kinds of cases, like criminal matters or disagreements over property.
- Trial by Jury: The idea of a jury became very important. A jury is a group of ordinary citizens who listen to the evidence in a case and decide if a person is guilty or innocent. This helps make sure trials are fair.
Famous Legal Thinkers
Some people wrote important books that helped explain and organize English law:
- Sir Edward Coke: In the 1600s, Sir Edward Coke wrote Institutes of the Lawes of England. This book helped explain many parts of English law.
- Sir William Blackstone: In the 1700s, Sir William Blackstone wrote Commentaries on the Laws of England. This book was very popular and helped people understand the laws of England. It was also very influential in other countries, like the United States.
See also
- Common law
- English parliamentary history
