Sir John Fortescue and the birth of English constitutional theory Cover Image

Sir John Fortescue i narodziny angielskiej teorii konstytucyjnej
Sir John Fortescue and the birth of English constitutional theory

Author(s): Tomasz Tulejski
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law
Published by: Kancelaria Sejmu
Keywords: Fortescue; English constitution; common law; Roman law

Summary/Abstract: Sir John Fortescue, Chancellor of King Henry VI is the first writer to analyse the political system of England by referring to English political practice. Long before Montesquieu, he noticed the relationship between the political system and the social conditions of his country. Explaining the nature of the English constitution and law, he compare it with the political and legal devices of other countries. That is why he contrasts the systems based on Roman law with English common law. In the article, the author argues that the basis of the Fortescue’s reflection is the rejection of Roman law, because he defends the English political tradition against the continental concept of sovereignty.

  • Issue Year: 2021
  • Issue No: 5
  • Page Range: 133-159
  • Page Count: 27
  • Language: English, Polish
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