Study In The Treason Law Of Henry VIII

This thesis, using rich materials, has made a systematic investigation on the treason law of Henry VIII. It deals with several dimensions of the theme.First of all, it described the origin and evolution of the treason in England in earlier middle ages. It explained how the concept of treason derived from the German unwritten law and Roman law, by what history background the 1352 act was made, and what status and influence it had in treason law history. It introduced the development of treason law during 1352?485.Secondly, it described treason acts made during the reign of Henry VIII, and analyzed their continuance and innovation combining the background of era.Thirdly, it illustrated, through the process of many new treason laws, the relationship between king抯 power and parliament, and the relationship between the king and judges.Finally, it summed up the feature of the treason law of Henry VIII, and offered a brief evaluation.By studying the development of the treason law during Henry VIII抯 reign, we can understand how the royal authority controlled the procedure of legislation9 and how Henry VIII secured the Reformation and dealt with the problems of the succession to the crown and the king?ecclesiastical supremacy. The laws were made more precise, which benefited the king rather than his subjects. On the other hand, although the judges had no more room to explain 搕reason? they still insisted their own opinions on some cases rather than submitted to the king抯.