1. On the Canadian legal system
The British Influence
On the Canadian legal system

2. The British Influence
Early British laws were confusing and often primitive;
rooted in beliefs, customs, invader influences, the Church, landlords and the King.

3. Trial by Ordeal (suffering/punishment)
Difficult decisions of innocence or guilt were often settled by God.
Church was a major influence on early law – belief God ultimately protected the innocent.
Painful physical test – if you survived then you were deemed innocent
The practice ended in 1215 when the Church refused to participate
article
video (5 mins)
- video (5 mins)
Trial by Ordeal - Clip
She’s a witch!

4. Trial by Ordeal (suffering/punishment)
Hot Iron
Carried a hot anvil between the forearms – bandaged – and after 3 days the healing had begun – innocent
However, the damage that was created was permanent
Cold Water
Bound – thrown into the water – if the water accepted the person (sank) – innocent
However, many drowned before recovery

5. Trial by Combat Lords and nobility settled disputes by duels.
Most often these disagreements were settled by the knights representing the Lords
God protected the one still standing
Game of Thrones Trial by combat

6. Feudalism
The feudal system was based on a series of rights, duties, and obligations.
The King was at the top of the hierarchy and owned all the land. He parceled out pieces or manors to his lords and barons, who became the King’s vessels owing him allegiance and military support.
The lords vessels served in the army or worked the fields and shares (taxes) were paid to the lord and the church
The lord was the sole judge of his manor. Inequity and inconsistency existed from one manor to the next.
The King was above all law.
“The King’s Court” (curia regis) was created to hear major trials. These cases became documents and Common Law was established to England.
Feudalism in Europe

7. Read & Answer the following questions
Read pages & answer questions #1-3 p. 28