Norman Crime and Punishment

Before Henry II took the throne, the biggest problem in English justice was the over-mighty subject. This term referred to a Baron or Sheriff that became so powerful in their local area that they could ignore the decisions made by the Kings Courts and get away with it.

Exetension of the King's Peace - The King's Peace was an old law that protected the area around the King or along roads the king was travelling. Any crime committed in this area would lead to a harsher than normal punishment. It was designed to stop people committing crimes around the King, but Henry II extended it to the whole country (all crimes carried a harsher punishment).

Travelling Justices…