Legal Definitions - Statute of Westminster the First

The Statute of Westminster the First was an English law that was divided into 51 chapters, which later became separate acts of Parliament. It was created to protect the property of the church from the violence and spoliation of the Crown and nobles, provide for the freedom of popular elections, enforce the rules contained in Magna Carta against excessive fines, and correct various abuses of power.

Some examples of the provisions included in the Statute of Westminster the First are:

• Protecting the property of the church from the Crown and nobles
• Providing for the freedom of popular elections
• Enforcing the rules contained in Magna Carta against excessive fines
• Regulating the levying of tolls
• Correcting and restraining the powers of the royal escheator and other officers
• Amending the criminal law, such as classifying rape as a most grievous offense
• Making criminal and civil procedures more expeditious and less costly

These examples illustrate how the Statute of Westminster the First aimed to protect the rights of individuals and limit the power of the Crown and other officials. It also aimed to improve the legal system and make it more fair and efficient.