The legal system:
The King's Court:
Dealt with royal pleas for the serious crimes such as treason and murder, as well as appeals from lower courts. The king's judgement was final and binding.
Shire Courts:
Dated from Anglo-Saxon times and remained much the same under Norman rule. They were supervised by the sheriff and dealt with land disputes and crimes such as theft or assault.
Hundred Courts:
Were in place before the Conquest. They dealt with minor disputes and were overseen by a bailiff.
The Lord's courts:
Were introduced by the Normans. Here, lords dealt with their tenants' disputes and cases of crime, supervised property transactions and announced new laws from the king. The Lord also asked the Tenants, who knew the land and people well, for advice when making decisions at court.
The Manorial court:
Was overseen by a lord of the manor and dealt with everyday matters in the village, for example, complaints about bad work or applications to marry.