Reports of Cases in the Court of Chancery in the Time of Queen Anne (1702 to 1714)

This book is a significant contribution to legal history, as it makes early modern manuscript law reports from the Court of Chancery during Queen Anne's reign accessible to scholars for the first time. The previously existing printed reports are unreliable and biased, so this new material provides a better and more unbiased understanding of the Court of Chancery during this period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 736 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2021
Publisher: Arizona Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies,US

This remarkable book is a significant contribution to an ongoing project aimed at publishing the early modern manuscript law reports from the Court of Chancery during the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). In a remarkable feat, this new edition triples the number of case reports currently in print, making them accessible to scholars for the very first time. It is important to note that the previously existing printed reports, while available, are not considered reliable and portray the then-Lord Chancellor, Lord Harcourt, in a rather unfavorable light. By presenting this new material, we gain a much more comprehensive and unbiased understanding of the Court of Chancery during this crucial period.

The book includes three major manuscript collections, with the most notable one authored by William Melmoth. This volume serves as a predecessor to the recently published Chancery Reports in the Time of King George I, adding valuable insights to our understanding of legal proceedings during this era.

The significance of this project lies in its ability to shed light on the historical context and proceedings of the Court of Chancery during a period of significant political and legal transformation. The Court of Chancery played a pivotal role in resolving disputes and interpreting laws, and its decisions had far-reaching implications for the society of the time. By making these reports accessible to scholars, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities and challenges faced by the legal system during this period and the role that individuals and institutions played in shaping its development.

This book is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the researchers and editors involved in the project. Their tireless efforts have resulted in a valuable resource that will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing study of early modern legal history and provide new insights into the workings of the Court of Chancery during Queen Anne's reign.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking achievement that will greatly benefit scholars and researchers interested in the history of law and society in early modern England. Its publication marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve and disseminate these important historical documents, ensuring that future generations can access and learn from the rich tapestry of legal history.

Dimension: 9 x 6 x 2 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780866986410