Luton has a long legal history as one of the oldest cities in England. It was first established by the Romans in AD 43 and later evolved into a major industrial center due to its proximity to London. As a result, Luton has had various levels of governance over time, with different laws and regulations being introduced for the benefit of its citizens.
Medieval Period
The medieval period saw the introduction of several laws specific to Luton. In 1215, King John issued an edict that introduced a new court system in Luton called 'Curia Regis'. This court provided local people with access to justice, allowing them to make complaints against local authorities and resolve disputes. Another law issued by King Edward I in 1283 allowed the burgesses of Luton to elect two representatives, or bailiffs, to attend parliament meetings in London. This gave them a certain amount of autonomy from their superiors and enabled them to pursue their own interests.
Reformation Period
The Reformation period saw some significant changes with regards to the legal system in Luton. In 1534, Henry VIII dissolved all surviving monasteries across England, including several within Luton itself. This had a major impact on religious freedom as well as the economy of the city as many people relied upon these institutions for employment. Additionally, during this period the Court of Common Pleas was established in Luton, allowing local people to have their grievances addressed in court.
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution had a major impact on Luton and its legal system. During this period, many new laws were introduced which regulated the working conditions of the many factories that had been set up in the city. This included minimum wage laws and restrictions on working hours. Additionally, unions were also formed during this time which helped to ensure better wages and safer working environments for factory workers.
Modern Period
In recent years, Luton has seen further development with regards to its legal system. The introduction of the Human Rights Act in 1998 gave citizens of Luton more protection from discrimination and ensured that their rights were being respected. Additionally, the Local Government Act 2000 made it easier for local authorities to govern Luton and introduced new powers which allowed them to better serve their citizens.