Shrewsbury has a long and interesting legal history. It dates back to the 12th century when it was one of the first towns in England to be granted self-governance by King John. Over time, Shrewsbury became an important centre for legal affairs, with many influential lawyers living and working in the town.
The Royal Charter
In 1201, King John issued a charter that gave Shrewsbury its rights as a borough, thus allowing its inhabitants to form their own governing body known as 'the Commonalty'. This charter provided for local government through elected officials called ‘bailiffs’ who had powers to deal with local disputes. It also set out the rules by which people could live in the town, from laws on property ownership and trading rights to regulations on religious observance and taxation.
The Common Law
Shrewsbury was also one of the first towns in England to adopt a system of common law. This meant that instead of relying solely on the decisions of appointed judges or royal charters, citizens could resolve their differences through local courts. The bailiffs of Shrewsbury held court four times a year, adjudicating over civil cases such as debt collection or disputes between landlords and tenants.
Ecclesiastical Courts
In addition to the civil courts, Shrewsbury also had several ecclesiastical courts. These were responsible for dealing with matters of religious law and were mainly presided over by archbishops or bishops. As well as resolving issues such as marriage disputes or property rights, these courts could also impose punishments on those found guilty of heresy.
The Court of Star Chamber
One of the most notable legal bodies in Shrewsbury was the Court of Star Chamber. This court was set up in 1371 and consisted of high-ranking members of the clergy and aristocracy who acted as judges. It had wider powers than other local courts, allowing it to try cases involving the nobility and even punish people without a trial.
The Borough Courts
In 1483, the borough of Shrewsbury was granted its own court system. This consisted of two courts: the Mayor’s Court and the Court of Pleas. The former was presided over by the mayor while the latter consisted of 12 local citizens who were appointed annually by the bailiffs. These courts had jurisdiction over civil matters such as debt collection or property issues.
The Assizes
Shrewsbury also had its own assize court from 1540 until 1971. This court was presided over by two or more justices of the peace (appointed by the Crown) and heard serious criminal cases including murder, arson, robbery and rape. It also had jurisdiction over civil matters such as debt collection and property disputes.
Modern Developments
Today, Shrewsbury is served by a number of local courts including the Magistrates' Court and County Court. Both of these are part of the modern English legal system and deal with civil and criminal matters respectively. In addition, there are several solicitor's practices located in the town providing advice on a wide range of legal issues.
