1. English Law & Government Overview

2. Early England (600s-1000s) Germanic tribes Gradually converted to Christianity Laws based on local customs Alfred the Great (849-899) – Defended England against Vikings – Encouraged education – Military & legal reforms

3. William the Bastard Conquered England after Battle of Hastings (1066) Royal law French language & customs French  court language Conqueror

4. King John & Magna Carta Younger brother of Richard the Lionhearted Numerous disputes & wars (all failed) Needed money for wars with France & kept raising taxes – Nobles rebelled in protest Forced to sign Magna Carta in 1215 at Runnymede

5. The Magna Carta (1215) Created English Parliament Trial by jury Instituted rule of law (i.e. no one is above the law) Writ of habeas corpus (must accuse someone of a crime before imprisoning them) – Important because Due process of law  fair treatment of individuals by government

6. The Hundred Years’ War Began as succession dispute over throne of France “On again, off again” conflict between 1337-1453 Joan of Arc (clip) Eventual French victory

7. English Bill of Rights (1688) Limited power of kings Banned kings from having a standing army in peacetime (unless Parliament approved) Freedom of speech Catholics couldn’t rule England This should already be in your notes!!!

8. Quiz Yourself What did William the Conqueror replace “common law” with after he took control of England? The prevented people from being imprisoned unless they were charged with a crime. Who won the Hundred Years’ War? Under the English Bill of Rights, were banned from ruling England. Royal Law Writ of Habeas Corpus France Catholics