Common Law

Feudalism: The medieval system of land ownership and obligations which underlies much of the common law heritage.

Magna Carta: The 1215 charter which curtailed the power of the English monarchy and established principles such as the rule of law.

Assize Courts: Medieval courts which established common law principles such as the trial by jury.

Blackstone's Commentaries: A seminal 18th-century legal treatise which expounded the principles of English common law.

Statute law: The body of laws passed by Parliament which supplement and sometimes override the common law.

Equity: The body of legal principles which evolved to supplement and correct the rigidity of the common law.

Courts of Chancery: The courts which administered the equity jurisdiction.

Writ system: The system of legal remedies which evolved from the delivery of writs to royal officials.

Common law jurisdictions: The countries which inherited the English common law system, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Precedent: The principle whereby earlier judicial decisions are binding on later cases with similar facts.

Habeas Corpus: The principle that a person cannot be detained without due process.

Judicial Review: The principle that courts have the power to review and declare unconstitutional acts of the government.

Anglo-Saxon Law: Developed in England during the early medieval period, Anglo-Saxon law was based on ancient tribal customs and oral tradition.

Norman Conquest Law: Developed in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066, this system of law was influenced by French legal traditions.

Medieval Law: Developed during the medieval period in Europe, this system of law was based on a combination of Roman and canon law.

English Common Law: Developed in England during the Middle Ages, this system of law is based on judicial decisions and precedents rather than codified laws.

Canon Law: Developed by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, canon law is a body of laws and regulations governing the church, its clergy, and its members.

Maritime Law: Developed in Europe during the Middle Ages, maritime law governs activities on the high seas and navigable waterways.

Equity Law: Developed in England during the Middle Ages, equity law is a system of law created to supplement and modify common law in order to provide a more just outcome in certain cases.

Admiralty Law: Developed in England during the Middle Ages, admiralty law governs maritime activities and commerce.

Constitutional Law: Developed during the modern era, constitutional law is a system of law that governs the structure and operation of government.

Contract Law: Developed during the modern era, contract law governs the creation and enforcement of legally binding agreements between parties.