customary court

In medieval Europe, law was largely based on customary law before the 12th century. This meant that laws were derived from tradition, local customs, and precedent, rather than written codes. These local customs governed many aspects of life, including family rights, property, contracts, and personal disputes.123

A specific type of court that dealt with these customs was the customary court. These courts were once part of a court baron and had jurisdiction over matters related to copyhold estates, such as their transfer and admittance. The law merchant, a body of rules for merchants, also developed during the Middle Ages, initially administered in special courts like those of guilds or piepoudre courts in England. This law was created to protect foreign merchants and regulate their dealings, eventually forming the basis for modern commercial law.14