Common knowledge of the common law in later medieval England. From: Canadian Journal of History | Date: December 1, 1994| Author: Neville, C.J. | COPYRIGHT 1994 Canadian Journal of History. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Despite their complexity, the rules and regulations governing the substance and procedure of the common law in later medieval England were surprisingly well understood by the medieval men and women who appeared in court as defendants. This paper examines records of sessions of gaol delivery, before which accusations of felony were put trial, for the northern circuit in the year 1354-1460. It explores the ways in which a significant number of defendants were able to avoid altogether the onus...