The Formation of the English Common Law

Editor's Preface to First Edition Author's Preface to First Edition Author's Preface to Second Edition Abbreviations CHAPTER 1 Introduction The concept of law The functions of law Disputing and negotiating English common law The formation of the English common law CHAPTER 2 The Court Framework in Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman England The king's court Local and itinerant justices Shire courts Hundred courts Seignorial courts Urban courts Ecclesiastical courts Conclusions CHAPTER 3 Violence and Theft in Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman England Bricstan's case Offences, offenders, and motives Prevention and police Trial Punishment and compensation Conclusions CHAPTER 4 Law and Land-holding in Anglo-Saxon England Aescwynn of Stonea, Ogga of Mildenhall, Wulfstan of Dalham and their gifts to the church of Ely The forms of land Land, lordship, and law The customary framework Disputes Conclusions CHAPTER 5 Law and Land-holding in Anglo-Norman England Land, lordship, and law The forms of land-holding The customary framework: control of land held in fee Disputes Anglo-Norman land law and common law property Conclusions CHAPTER 6 Angevin Reform Kingship, Stephen's reign, and Angevin reform The eyre Chronology The stages and nature of reform Henry II and reform The administrator's mentality Conclusions CHAPTER 7 Crime and the Angevin Reforms Ailward's case Classification The continuation of traditional methods Presentment and the extension of royal authority The limits of royal authority Conclusions CHAPTER 8 Law and Land-holding in Angevin England Abbot Samson of Bury St Edmunds New procedures The impact of change Conclusions CHAPTER 9 Magna Carta and the Formation of the English Common Law King John and the administration of justice Magna Carta Law and legal expertise The common law Concluding comparisons Glossary Note on sources Further reading Index