It was considered a burden
rather than a privilege to attend Parliament and elections for
such were not often contested. They were conducted according to
local custom until 1600.
In 1348, the Commons voted a tax of 1/15th on moveables for three
years with the proviso that it be spent only on the war against
Scotland. This began the practice of appropriation of funds. In
1381, began the practice of appointing treasurers of the subsidies
to account to Parliament for both receipts and disbursements.
Alien merchants wree under the king's special protection. In
return for paying extra import and export duties, Edward III gave
alien merchants full rights of trade, travel, and residence in
England free of all local tolls and restrictions, and guaranteed a
fair hearing of their commercial and criminal cases in special pie
powder (after French "pie poudrous" or dusty feet) courts at
fairs.
- The Law -
Edward I remodeled the law in response to grievances and to
problems which came up in the courts. The changes improved the
efficiency of justice and served to accommodate it to the changing
circumstances of the social system. These statutes were:
"No man by force of arms, malice or menacing shall disturb
anyone in making free election [of sheriffs, coroners,
conservators of the peace by freeholders of the county]."
"No city, borough, town, nor man shall be amerced without
reasonable cause and according to the severity of his
trespass.
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