English society throughout itsexistence has paid much attention to the administration of justice. Like any other social institution, the English court quickly responded to changes in the social environment of the inhabitants of England. The famous "Star Chamber" was no exception. This legal phenomenon existed for quite a long time and performed various functions.
Causes of appearance
«Звездная палата» в Англии возникла во времена the reign of Henry VII. Initially, this legal institution was intended 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 nationals. Henry VII issued a statute restricting the creation of armed formations and private military formations. The execution of this decree was strictly followed; the violator was awaited by the arrest and court.
Occurrence
«Звездная палата» – это судебный орган, submitted directly to the king, and dealt with cases of violation of royal decrees and insubordination of royal power. 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 body may be different.
The Royal “Star Chamber” was created toprotect the rights of the British from any class and limit the powers of the rebellious barons. And for the first time, she accepted all those who wished to consider the case, guaranteeing the royal power a speedy and fair trial.
Transformation Authority
From one king to another new judicial bodyproperly performed its functions. But the constant strengthening of the 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 deals with crimes against royal authority. The court has become a means of reprisals against unwanted and dissatisfied with the strengthening of the royal autocracy, as well as a way to attract even more income to the treasury of the king. The accused could dismiss the charges by paying a fine to the crown's treasury.
При Елизавете Английской «Звездная палата» – это a court in which the testimony of the accused were knocked out by torture and self-mutilation. At the same time, the system of fines and ransoms only intensified and reached astronomical sums. This court instance became more politicized, according to its decision, previous sentences were canceled, its representatives themselves chose cases in which they were interested.
In 1641, the decision of the Parliament as a judicialThe royal authority "Star Chamber" ceased to exist. In the future, this phrase was rarely used. Only in our time, an unusual name has attracted the attention of writers.
