Sir Edward Coke and the sovereignty of the law

Zimmermann, A. (2017) Sir Edward Coke and the sovereignty of the law. Macquarie Law Journal, 17 . pp. 127-146.

Abstract

Sir Edward Coke is one of the most celebrated English lawyers of all time. This article explains his ‘higher law’ jurisprudence and the undeniable impact of his writings and judicial rulings. Christian philosophy underpinned Coke’s influential rulings, and his influential writings revived the Magna Carta (as a fundamental charter of individual rights and liberties) from the obscurity into which it had fallen under the Tudors. Coke’s interpretation of the law became extremely influential not just in England but in all nations of the British Empire, including Australia. For his defence of the supremacy of the law, for his advocacy of individual rights and liberties, and for his bold assertion of judicial independence, ‘few figures have deserved more honour’ 1 in the history of the common law.

Publication Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Law
Publisher:	Macquarie University. Division of Law
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/40339

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