Originally published in 1922, this book examines legal statutes and their interpretation in English courts during the reigns of Edward I, Edward II and Edward III. Distinguished legal historian Theodore Plucknett presents problems such as mistranslations, ignorance among lawyers and, in some instances, outright refusal by the courts to enforce certain statutes, and how these errors in enforcement changed the role of the government in lawmaking and legal practice. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in British legal history.