Law - Common Law Flashcards
Different areas of England were governed by different systems of law, adapted from those of various invaders. These areas were referred to as ‘circuits’, What were they and where did operate?
Dane Law - North
Mercian Law - Midlands
Wessex Law - South & West
What is common law?
A law established by following earlier judicial decisions.
In 1066, what did William the Conqueror do?
Established a strong central government and began to standardise the law.
What were the kings representatives (‘itinerant justices’) sent to do?
To check the administration in the countryside and adjudicated local disputes in accordance to local laws. Once they returned to Westminster they discussed the different laws and decided which ones to keep or dismiss.
Adjudicated - making a formal judgement on a disputed (argued) matter.
What happened in 1189 under Henry II?
A common law had been produced which ruled the whole country. This had been exported to many commonwealth countries.
What did the common law consist of?
It consisted of the best customs from each of the circuits.
What happened in 1640s involving King Charles I & Parliament?
The English Civil War was fought due to the king making decisions without consulting Parliament.
What happened in the 19th century?
The House of Commons was becoming more important as the right to vote was gradually extended.
