Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why was Edward I called the English Justinian?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Edward I
Edward I, watercolour, 15th century; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Julius E. IV).
Edward I earned the title of the "English Justinian" due to his significant contributions to the definition and emendation of English common law.1
His reign, spanning from 1272 to 1307, was marked by a series of major legislative reforms aimed at administrative efficiency and the consolidation of royal authority. Between 1275 and 1290, Edward promulgated a succession of influential statutes that served to supplement and clarify existing laws. Notable examples include:123
- Statute of Gloucester (1278) and Statute of Quo Warranto (1290): These measures addressed the unauthorized assumption of franchises and required landowners to justify their legal rights of jurisdiction.23
- Statutes of Westminster (1275, 1285): These corrected various deficiencies in the law, particularly regarding the relationships between lords and tenants.23
- Statute of Mortmain (1279): This restricted the acquisition of land by ecclesiastical bodies without royal license.23
- Statute of Quia Emptores (1290): This legislation prevented further subinfeudation of land.23
These reforms, coordinated largely by his chancellor, Robert Burnell, created a new era in English government and established a lasting legal legacy.2