Anglo-Saxon law

Anglo-Saxon law refers to the legal system that existed in England from the 5th century until the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was based on customary practices and local traditions rather than written codes. This system relied heavily on local courts and the participation of the community in legal matters, often resolving disputes through negotiation or compensation rather than formal punishment. Key concepts included the idea of "tithings" (groups of men responsible for each other's behavior) and "hundreds" (local courts). Anglo-Saxon law laid the groundwork for many legal principles that evolved in later English law.