English society throughout its existence has paid much attention to the administration of justice. Like any other social institution, the English court quickly reacted to changes in the social environment of the inhabitants of England. The famous “Star Chamber” was no exception. This legal phenomenon has existed for quite some time and performed various functions.
Reasons for the appearance
The "Star Chamber" in England arose during the reign of Henry VII. Initially, this legal institution was designed to investigate crimes committed by wayward nobles after the civil wars of the Scarlet and White Roses. The arbitrariness of the feudal lords, accustomed to arbitrariness, led to a large number of crimes against the life and property of English citizens. Henry VII issued a statute restricting the creation of armed retinues and private military units. The implementation of this decree was strictly monitored; the offender was awaited by arrest and a court.
Occurrence
The “Star Chamber” is a judicial body reporting directly to the king, and examining cases of violation of royal decrees and disobedience to royal authority. According to the generally accepted version, it got its name Star-Chamber because of the ceiling in the courtroom, which was decorated with stars. Although at that time there were various spellings of the name of this institution. Accordingly, the interpretation of the name of this judicial authority may be different.
The Royal Star Chamber was created to protect the rights of the British from any class and to limit the powers of the rebel barons. And at first, she accepted the cases of all comers for consideration, guaranteeing a speedy and fair trial by the royal authority.
Conversion of Authority
From one king to another, the new judiciary regularly performed its functions. But the constant strengthening of absolute power in the country could not but affect the judicial system. Under King Henry VIII, the Star Chamber is a court of law that examines crimes against royal power. The court has become a means of reprisal against objectionable and unhappy strengthening of the royal autocracy, as well as a way to attract even more income to the king’s treasury. The accused could withdraw his charges by paying a fine to the crown treasury.
Under Elizabeth the English, the “Star Chamber” is a court in which the accused were beaten out by torture and self-harm. Moreover, the system of fines and buybacks only intensified and reached astronomical amounts. This court has become more politicized, according to its decision, earlier sentences were canceled, its representatives themselves chose the cases in which they were interested.
In 1641, the Star Chamber ceased to exist as a judicial organ of the royal authority by parliament. In the future, this phrase was rarely used. Only in our time, an unusual name has attracted the attention of scriptwriters.
The Star Chamber reappears on the scene. A film with that name was released in 1983.