Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What event in 1066 led to the development of Common Law?

1. The signing of the Magna Carta

2. The Norman Conquest of England

3. The establishment of Parliament

4. The American Revolution

The correct answer is: The Norman Conquest of England

The development of Common Law is closely associated with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This significant event marked the beginning of a transformation in the legal system of England. Following the conquest, William the Conqueror implemented a centralized system of justice, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of a unified body of law that would apply across the kingdom. William sought to establish control over his new territory and ensure consistent legal proceedings. He appointed royal justices to travel the country and adjudicate disputes, creating a system where similar cases would lead to similar outcomes. This practice of making decisions based on previous cases contributed to the development of Common Law, where legal precedents became an essential component of the legal system. The other events mentioned—like the signing of the Magna Carta, the establishment of Parliament, and the American Revolution—are significant in their own right, but they came later and were more about the evolution of legal rights and governance rather than the initial establishment of a common legal framework known as Common Law.