The Formation of English Common Law
Law and Society in England from the Norman Conquest to Magna Carta

This student introduction to the growth of English Common Law, from the Norman Conquest through to the Magna Carta, integrates legal development with change in thought, society and politics, in an interpretative framework.

During the Anglo-Norman period a concept of law developed, binding ruler and ruled alike and which was based on custom common throughout the country. This was Common Law and it was from this that subsequent law developed. John Hudson's text is an introductory survey of Common Law for students and other non-specialist readers. Certain aspects of medieval law such as its feuds, its ordeals and its outlaws are well known, this text shows how these aspects fitted in to the system as a whole, considers its Anglo-Saxon origins, the influence of the Norman invaders and later administrative reforms. The events and legal processes also throw light on the society, politics and thought of the times.

1. Introduction. 2. The Court Framework in Anglo-Norman England.
3. Violence and Theft in Anglo-Norman England.
4. Law and Land-Holding in Anglo-Norman England.
5. Angevin Reform. 6 Crime and the Angevin Reforms.
7. Law and Land-Holding in Angevin England.
8. Magna Carta and the Formation of English Common Law.
Glossary.
Further Reading.