Legal Definitions - King's Bench

The term King's Bench, often abbreviated as K.B., refers to a historically significant court in England.

During the period when England was ruled by a king, the King's Bench served as the highest common-law court in the country. Its equivalent during the reign of a queen was known as the Queen's Bench. This court held immense authority, hearing major civil disputes and serious criminal cases that were considered to be "before the King himself" (coram rege). Its decisions played a crucial role in shaping and developing the English common law system, establishing precedents that influenced legal principles for centuries.

• Example 1: Establishing a Legal Precedent

  Imagine a legal scholar researching the origins of a specific property right in English law, such as the right of way across private land. They might discover a landmark ruling from the 17th century issued by the King's Bench that definitively established the conditions under which such a right could be claimed. This example illustrates how the King's Bench, as the highest court, created foundational legal precedents that became part of the common law.

• Example 2: Resolving a Major Dispute

  Consider a significant dispute in medieval England between two powerful noble families over a vast estate and its associated feudal rights. Such a high-stakes case, involving substantial wealth and influence, would typically have been brought before the King's Bench. The court's involvement underscores its role in adjudicating the most important and complex legal matters of the realm, reflecting its supreme authority.

• Example 3: Appeals from Lower Courts

  Suppose a local court in a shire (county) in 18th-century England made a controversial ruling in a criminal case, leading to an appeal by the convicted party. Given its position at the apex of the judicial system, the appeal of such a significant decision would ultimately be heard and reviewed by the King's Bench. This demonstrates its function as the ultimate court of appeal for common-law matters, ensuring consistency and fairness across the legal system.