Early Modern Common Law Changes

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Questions and Answers

Which monarchical dynasty saw the expansion of royal court jurisdiction, thus asserting common law over local and feudal courts?

  • The Stuarts
  • The Plantagenets
  • The Tudors (correct)
  • The Windsors

What was a key principle championed by Sir Edward Coke in his defense of common law?

  • The absolute authority of parliamentary decrees
  • The prioritization of canon law over civil law
  • The supremacy of the monarch's divine right
  • The independence of common law from royal interference (correct)

What significant document, established following the Glorious Revolution, formalized constitutional principles shaping the development of common law?

  • The Petition of Right
  • The Bill of Rights (correct)
  • The Act of Settlement
  • The Magna Carta

Who is renowned for systematizing English common law through the publication of ‘Commentaries on the Laws of England’?

<p>Sir William Blackstone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which period of English history saw tensions between the Crown's attempts at absolutism and the principles of the common law courts?

<p>The Stuart Era (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Reinvention of Common Law

The process of adapting and evolving common law principles to meet new challenges and circumstances, often driven by political shifts or social changes.

English Civil War and Glorious Revolution

The English Civil War and subsequent Glorious Revolution, pivotal events that solidified the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy and strengthened the role of common law.

Sir William Blackstone

A prominent legal scholar who systematized and codified common law principles through his influential work, "Commentaries on the Laws of England", making the law more accessible and coherent.

Sir Edward Coke

A prominent legal scholar who championed the independence of common law from royal interference during the Tudor and Stuart periods, solidifying the rule of law.

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Rule of Law

A foundational legal principle established by Sir Edward Coke, asserting that everyone, including the King, is subject to the rule of law, not above it.

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Study Notes

Early Modern Common Law Changes

  • English common law significantly evolved during the early modern period, shaped by political conflicts, constitutional crises, and intellectual shifts.
  • Judges and legal scholars adapted common law to address new issues, ensuring its continued development.

Tudor and Stuart Reforms

  • Tudor monarchs expanded royal courts, establishing common law's dominance over local and feudal courts.
  • Stuart monarchs' attempts at absolute rule caused tension between the Crown and common law courts.

Sir Edward Coke's Role

  • Sir Edward Coke championed common law's independence from royal control, establishing key constitutional principles like the rule of law.
  • Coke's writings and legal decisions emphasized common law's roots in ancient traditions.

Impact of Civil War and Glorious Revolution

  • The English Civil War and Glorious Revolution reinforced parliamentary sovereignty and common law's importance.
  • The Bill of Rights (1689) codified constitutional principles impacting common law further.
  • Sir William Blackstone systematized common law in his Commentaries on the Laws of England, enhancing its understanding and coherence.

Key Figures and Institutions

  • Sir Edward Coke: Advocated for common law independence.
  • Sir William Blackstone: Prominent in the codification and teaching of common law.
  • Royal Courts: Their jurisdiction expanded in England, centralizing judicial authority.

Conclusion

  • Despite political turmoil, common law adapted to challenges of the early modern period.
  • Legal figures preserved fundamental principles while ensuring law's relevance to modern society.

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