How did Edward I reform the legal system in England?

Edward I reformed the legal system in England by introducing new statutes and strengthening the role of royal courts.

Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307, is often called the "English Justinian" because of his significant legal reforms. One of his major contributions was the introduction of several important statutes, which are laws passed by a legislative body. These statutes aimed to address various issues within the legal system and society. For example, the Statute of Westminster (1275) codified existing laws and introduced new ones to improve the administration of justice. It included measures to prevent corruption among officials and to ensure fair trials.

Another key statute was the Statute of Mortmain (1279), which aimed to prevent land from being transferred to the Church without royal permission. This was important because land owned by the Church was exempt from many feudal obligations, reducing the income and power of the Crown. By controlling these transfers, Edward ensured that the Crown retained its influence and revenue.

Edward also strengthened the role of royal courts, making them more central to the administration of justice. He expanded the jurisdiction of the King's Bench and the Common Pleas, which were the main royal courts. This meant that more cases were heard by judges appointed by the king, rather than by local lords, which helped to standardise legal procedures and reduce local biases.

Additionally, Edward I introduced the Quo Warranto proceedings, which required landowners to show by what warrant (or legal right) they held their lands and exercised certain privileges. This helped to clarify and enforce the king's rights over his vassals and ensured that land and privileges were held according to the law.

Overall, Edward I's legal reforms helped to create a more uniform and centralised legal system in England, laying the foundations for the modern English legal system.