The Assize of Clarendon

The Assize of Clarendon, issued in 1166 by King Henry II of England, was a legal reform that aimed to improve justice and reduce crimes like theft and murder. It established clearer procedures for local courts, defined crimes and punishments, and created a system where royal officials, called justices, could visit towns to hear cases. This helped centralize royal authority, reduce local abuses, and ensure more consistent laws across the country. Overall, it marked a significant step toward modern legal systems by formalizing procedures and strengthening the role of the monarchy in law enforcement.