LEGES HENRICI

leges Henrici (lee-jeez hen-rI-sI), n.[Latin] Hist. A book anonymously written between 1114 and 1118 containing Anglo-Saxon and Norman law. • The book lends insight to the period before the full development of Norman law in England. — Also termed leges Henrici Primi.

“Closely connected with the Quadripartitus is a far more important book, the so-called Leges Henrici. It seems to have been compiled shortly before the year 1118. After a brief preface, it gives us Henry’s coronation charter (this accounts for the name which has unfortunately been given in modern days to the whole book), and then the author makes a gallant, if forlorn, attempt to state the law of England. At first sight the outcome seems to be a mere jumble of fragments …. But the more closely we examine the book, the more thoroughly convinced we shall be that its author has undertaken a serious task in a serious spirit; he means to state the existing law of the land ….” 1 Frederick Pollock & Frederic W. Maitland, The History of English Law Before the Time of Edward I 99 (2d ed. 1898). LEGES IMPERII

leges imperii (lee-jeez im-peer-ee-I). [Latin] Roman law. Laws conferring lawmaking and other powers on the emperor. — Also termed leges de imperio.

[Blacks Law 8th]