ASSISA DE CLARENDON Meaning and
Definition
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Assisa de Clarendon, also known as the Assize of Clarendon, was a medieval law established in England in 1166 during the reign of King Henry II. This legal decree was a significant milestone in the development of the English legal system and aimed to reform various aspects of the criminal justice system.
The Assisa de Clarendon introduced several key provisions, including the formation of a grand jury, which consisted of a group of local men responsible for presenting accusations of criminal activity. These accusations would then be reviewed by a smaller group of knights in a trial called the petty jury. The accused were compelled to appear before these juries and undergo a judicial inquiry to determine their guilt or innocence.
The law also instituted an innovative system of trial by ordeal, which involved subjecting the accused to physically demanding tests intended to determine the presence of guilt or innocence. This aspect of the Assisa de Clarendon was later abolished due to criticism from the church and public outcry.
The law played a crucial role in establishing a uniform legal system across England, as it aimed to eradicate inconsistencies and abuses that were prevalent in local courts. Additionally, it intended to strengthen royal control over justice and reduce the power of local nobility in legal matters.
In summary, the Assisa de Clarendon was a groundbreaking legal measure in medieval England that introduced significant reforms in the criminal justice system, including the introduction of grand and petty juries and the establishment of trial by ordeal.
