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Common law and the development of Parliament

Study note

During the Middle Ages, the English legal system developed in a distinctive way. Judges decided cases by following the decisions made in earlier, similar cases. Over time, this built up a body of law known as common law. Common law grew from the decisions of judges, rather than being a written civil code, Roman law or canon law.

This period also saw Parliament develop into two parts, or houses. The House of Lords was made up of nobles and bishops, while the House of Commons contained elected representatives from the towns and counties. Parliament was not created in a single year by King John, nor did it always have only one house; it grew gradually over the Middle Ages. Remember two key points: English judges built up common law from past cases, and Parliament developed into the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Memory tip: English judges built 'common law' from past cases; Parliament grew into Lords + Commons.

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Question 1 of 2

The English system of law built up from the decisions of judges is known as what?

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Show all questions and answers for Common law and the development of Parliament(2 questions with explanations)

Common law and the development of Parliament: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. The English system of law built up from the decisions of judges is known as what?

    • Roman law
    • Civil code
    • Canon law
    • Common law

    Correct answer: Common law

    Common law developed in England from the decisions made by judges over time.

  2. 2. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Parliament has always had only one house
    • Parliament was created in a single year by King John
    • In the Middle Ages, Parliament developed into the House of Lords and the House of Commons
    • The House of Commons existed before the Romans

    Correct answer: In the Middle Ages, Parliament developed into the House of Lords and the House of Commons

    During the Middle Ages, Parliament developed two houses: the Lords and the Commons.

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