History of the Pleas of the Crown

work by Hale

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June 29, 2026

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The History of the Pleas of the Crown is a significant work by Sir Matthew Hale, a renowned scholar of English common law. This treatise, though not published until 1736, became a principal authority on the common law of criminal offenses.1

"Pleas of the crown" refers to legal actions that historically fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the crown, particularly those affecting the king's peace. In essence, it encompasses all criminal actions and proceedings within English law. Hale's work delves into these matters, analyzing and organizing historical legal materials to provide a comprehensive understanding of criminal law.21

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Sir Matthew Hale
…perhaps best known is his History of the Pleas of the Crown (the House of Commons directed in 1680 that it be printed, though it was not published until 1736). This work remains one of the principal authorities on the common law of criminal offenses. But he also wrote widely…
Read More
…perhaps best known is his History of the Pleas of the Crown (the House of Commons directed in 1680 that it be printed, though it was not published until 1736). This work remains one of the principal authorities on the common law of criminal offenses. But he also wrote widely…
Read More