Leges Henrici

The Leges Henrici is an English legal treatise from the 12th century, likely compiled during the reign of Henry I or Henry II. It is not a formal statute but a collection of laws and customs that aimed to codify existing legal practices. The treatise covers a range of topics, including criminal law, property, and the administration of justice, reflecting the legal landscape of Norman England.12

The Leges Henrici is significant because it provides insight into the development of English common law, which was largely shaped by judges rather than legislators during this period. It also demonstrates the influence of both Anglo-Saxon traditions and Norman legal customs, as well as some exposure to Roman law principles, though Roman law was less influential in England compared to other regions. The treatise's focus on procedural remedies and the eventual shift towards substantive rights is a key aspect of the evolution of the common law system.12