Statutes and Their Interpretation in the First Half of the Fourteenth Century (Cambridge Studies in English Legal History)

An important book by a preeminent scholar of English legal history. Using evidence drawn from the Year Books from 20 Edw. I to 20 Edw. III Plucknett [1897-1965] analyzes the nature of early statutes as seen in the rules for their construction and their use in court. He shows that the early statutes were more legislative than declaratory, and were treated as such by the courts. "This is an essay of absorbing interest and of great value to historians of the law. Every page shows not only immense industry, but sound learning.": Law Quarterly Review 39:138-139 cited in Marke, A Catalogue of the Law Collection at New York University (1953) 143.

Originally published in 1922, this book examines legal statutes and their interpretation in English courts during the reigns of Edward I, Edward II and Edward III. Distinguished legal historian Theodore Plucknett presents problems such as mistranslations, ignorance among lawyers and, in some instances, outright refusal by the courts to enforce certain statutes.