The king most closely associated with improving the English legal system is Henry II (reigned 1154-1189). He established the key forerunner to the system of Assize Courts and sent his judges to try criminal cases and hear civil lawsuits in every part of the country. Previously, local grandees (earls and barons) had dealt with cases themselves or appointed their own judges - a most unsatisfactory situation. Henry II's famous quarrel with Thomas Becket arose largely from his attempt to bring the Church within the ordinary legal system. In fact, English 'legal memory' dates from the death of Henry II. In other words, English courts cannot go back before that date. A few English cities, such as London and Winchester already had charters in 1189 and are officially said to have been cities 'since time immemorial'.
Henry II
King William the conqueror
He was a successful king because he conquered England and invented a feudal system
The leader was King George III of England.
The king of England
King Richard i (The Lion Heart) was king of england
It is known as the "common law" legal system and is inherited from the English legal system. Like in many European countries, England's legal system had been fragmented during the Middle Ages, varying from place to place, and the church played a large role in it. King Henry II of England (reigned 1154-1189) decided to create a unified "common" legal system for the country. He sent judges to travel around the country and resolve disputes according to local customs. They would then head back to London and discuss and record their cases. Judges would then use precendent (previous decisions) to decide their cases, unless the King passed laws which overrode them.
Legal reforms introduced by King Henry II of England were the first steps towards the modern system of trial by jury.
King William the conqueror
No. England is part of the UK. The UK does not have a president. It has a King or Queen.
He was a successful king because he conquered England and invented a feudal system
The invasion of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy is considered to be the beginning of the legal system (as part of a whole system of governance). This system has been in continuous use, as modified from time to time, down to the present day. As our Founding Fathers were Englishmen and modeled our legal system on England's legal system, it is therefore the beginning of ours as well. Although we imported our legal system from England, you will remember that it was objections to some of England's laws that fueled the American revolution, so our Founding Fathers were extremely careful in setting up our legal system to make explicit changes on issues they found so wrong in British law. This is the basis of our Bill of Rights and the reason we will never, ever have a king. It is why our rulers are elected by the people and can only serve for a short term of office. It is why we separated the powers of a ruler among three independent arms - Executive, Legislative and Judicial, and set up our innovative system of checks and balances between the three arms. It is why we cannot be taxed without a majority of our representatives agreeing to it, and many other protections we now take for granted.
The Magna Carta signed in 1215.
KING henrry 2nd was responsible for establishing local courts to hear legal cases in England during the twelfth century
KING henrry 2nd was responsible for establishing local courts to hear legal cases in England during the twelfth century
The leader was King George III of England.
Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex who successfully defended England against Viking invasions. He promoted education and literacy, leading to the preservation of Anglo-Saxon culture and language. His legacy is remembered as an important figure in English history and has contributed to the development of the English nation.
king Henry 2's legal reforms