English Law

French and English Law Simplified

Napoleonic Code:

  • Created by Napoleon to make French law the same for everyone.

  • Covers important areas like:

    • How property is owned

    • Making wills

    • Making agreements (contracts)

    • Family rules

Napoleonic Code Examples:

  • Marriage Rules:

    • Both partners should be loyal and help each other.

    • The husband must protect the family, and the wife must obey him.

    • The wife can't make legal decisions without her husband's permission.

  • Divorce Rules:

    • A husband can ask for divorce if his wife is unfaithful.

    • A wife can ask for divorce if her husband is unfaithful and living with his lover.

Historic Law Influence:

  • English law changed due to the movements of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, and Roman influence (Hadrian).

  • The Vikings had their own unwritten laws, and women could fight and own land.

Norman Laws Example:

  • Murdrum Tax: A fine if a Norman soldier is killed and the killer is unknown.

  • Deer Hunting Punishments: Big punishments for illegally hunting deer.

Basic British Law Elements:

  • Different ways of deciding guilt included:

    • Trials by fire, water, or combat (trial by ordeal).

    • Calling on witnesses (trial by oath).

Medieval Punishments:

  • Harsh punishments were normal, including torture and execution methods.

Feudal System:

  • Kings ruled by God's choice and were only accountable to Him.

Elements of English Law:

  • Court System: Cases are judged by two sides presenting their evidence.

  • Judges on the Move: Judges traveled to local courts.

  • Common Law: Decisions are made based on old cases.

Magna Carta:

  • A crucial document signed in 1215 that said no one is above the law, not even kings.

  • Habeas Corpus: A legal rule that protects against unfair arrests and requires charges to be made quickly.