What role did Sir Edward Coke play in the bribery charges against Francis Bacon?

Sir Edward Coke played a significant role in the downfall of Francis Bacon by taking part in the parliamentary proceedings that charged the then-lord chancellor with bribery.1

By 1620, Coke had returned to Parliament as a leading member of the opposition. During this time, he participated in the effort to charge Bacon with accepting bribes from suitors who had cases pending before his court. This was a reversal of their long-standing rivalry; the two men had previously clashed repeatedly, notably when Bacon advised King James I to remove Coke from his position as chief justice and when they disputed the limits of royal prerogative versus the common law.12

Bacon ultimately admitted to receiving gifts but denied that they influenced his judicial decisions. Despite his defense, he was found guilty, resulting in a heavy fine, imprisonment in the Tower of London, and removal from his state offices.13