Which legal system was established under Henry II in England?

The legal system established under Henry II in England is known as Common Law. This development began in the 12th century and marked a significant shift in the way laws were interpreted and enforced. Common Law is characterized by its reliance on precedents, meaning that legal decisions are based on past rulings in similar cases, which helps ensure consistency and predictability in the law.

Henry II’s introduction of Common Law was pivotal because it helped unify the legal system across England. Prior to this, various local customs and feudal laws governed different regions, leading to discrepancies and confusion. By centralizing legal authority and creating a uniform set of laws that could be applied throughout the kingdom, Henry II laid the groundwork for a more organized and accessible judicial process.

This differs fundamentally from the other legal systems mentioned. Canon Law refers to laws established by ecclesiastical authority, particularly within the Christian church. Case Law, while related to Common Law, is more about the body of judicial decisions that interpret and apply the laws, rather than the system itself. Statute Law consists of laws enacted by a legislative body, which is a different approach to lawmaking than the Common Law system centered on judicial decisions and precedents.