Legal Definitions - Curia Regis

Curia Regis was the main court in early Norman England, established by William the Conqueror. It was a group of advisers who traveled with the king, advising him on political matters and acting as an appellate court in important or complicated cases. Over time, the functions of the Curia Regis became exclusively judicial in nature. The court was not specific, but any court held in the king's name by the king's delegates was considered Curia Regis. The sessions of this court were also called Curia Regis. For example, when the members of the Curia Regis sat for financial purposes, it became the Exchequer. The Curia Regis was the focal point of royal government and was the ancestor of the king's council, which later subdivided into parliament and the privy council.