Manchester University Press
II ‘Popular’ concepts of law and justice
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Anthony Musson
Abstract
This chapter is comprised of annotated and translated source texts that provide alternative and more 'popular' perceptions of the law and justice. The pivotal position of the king concerning with 'popular' concepts and activities is noteworthy and suggests an acceptance of the quasi-divine royal characteristics that were displayed on coins, seals and other royal images and were part and parcel of official ideology and propaganda. The sources accordingly reveal an underlying grasp of natural law concepts of fairness and justice, right and ius, often underpinned by reference to custom, reason and a symbolic body of law or quasi-law. Proclamation of statutes, decrees and royal instructions in public places within the county was a common occurrence. Since they were delivered in English, the stock phrases would be well known and easily repeatable, thereby creating a sense of quasi-royal authority.
Abstract
This chapter is comprised of annotated and translated source texts that provide alternative and more 'popular' perceptions of the law and justice. The pivotal position of the king concerning with 'popular' concepts and activities is noteworthy and suggests an acceptance of the quasi-divine royal characteristics that were displayed on coins, seals and other royal images and were part and parcel of official ideology and propaganda. The sources accordingly reveal an underlying grasp of natural law concepts of fairness and justice, right and ius, often underpinned by reference to custom, reason and a symbolic body of law or quasi-law. Proclamation of statutes, decrees and royal instructions in public places within the county was a common occurrence. Since they were delivered in English, the stock phrases would be well known and easily repeatable, thereby creating a sense of quasi-royal authority.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Preface xiii
- Abbreviations xv
- Glossary xix
- Introduction 1
- I Concepts of law and justice 12
- II ‘Popular’ concepts of law and justice 39
- III Crime and disorder 67
- IV The development of criminal justice 105
- V The courts in operation 137
- VI Arbitration 187
- VII The personnel of justice 211
- VIII Corruption and abuse 246
- Index 273
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Preface xiii
- Abbreviations xv
- Glossary xix
- Introduction 1
- I Concepts of law and justice 12
- II ‘Popular’ concepts of law and justice 39
- III Crime and disorder 67
- IV The development of criminal justice 105
- V The courts in operation 137
- VI Arbitration 187
- VII The personnel of justice 211
- VIII Corruption and abuse 246
- Index 273
