Legal Definitions - High Court of Chivalry

The High Court of Chivalry is a historical English court, also known as the Court of Chivalry or Court of Earl Marshal. Originally, it functioned as a court of honor, addressing disputes concerning military conduct, matters of personal honor, and the proper use of heraldic symbols like coats of arms. Over time, its jurisdiction narrowed significantly, primarily focusing on resolving disagreements over armorial bearings (heraldry) according to the "law of arms." Although technically still in existence, this court has convened only rarely in recent centuries, making it largely dormant today.

Here are some examples illustrating the types of matters the High Court of Chivalry would have historically handled:

• Imagine two noble families, the Blackwoods and the Ironhides, both claiming the exclusive right to use a specific design of a silver wolf on a black field as their family crest. This dispute over who legitimately owns and can display this particular armorial insignia would historically have been brought before the High Court of Chivalry for a ruling. The court would examine historical records and heraldic law to determine which family had the rightful claim.

• During a royal procession in the 15th century, Lord Ashworth and Sir Reginald both believe they are entitled to walk immediately behind the Duke, based on their family's historical rank and military service. When Sir Reginald attempts to take the position, Lord Ashworth publicly challenges his right, leading to a heated argument about their respective social precedence. Such a dispute, involving a perceived affront to honor and a disagreement over established social hierarchy, could have been referred to the High Court of Chivalry to settle the matter of who held the superior rank and therefore the right to that position.

• Consider a scenario during a medieval campaign where a knight, Sir Alaric, is publicly accused by a rival, Sir Bertram, of having acted with cowardice during a battle, specifically by retreating prematurely and leaving his comrades exposed. Sir Alaric, feeling his honor and reputation as a knight severely tarnished, would have sought redress from the High Court of Chivalry. This court, with its original jurisdiction over "deeds of arms and war," would have investigated the allegations of dishonorable military conduct to determine the truth and restore or revoke Sir Alaric's standing.