The Lawes of Virginia. Virginia was the first permanent English colony in North America, established by the London Company in 1607. The foundation charter of that new colony, drafted by Sir Edward Coke (d. 1634), stated that English law should be applied to the settlers. However, by the time that The Lawes of Virginia was published in 1662, it had become evident that certain principles of English law, which took their inspiration from Magna Carta, were no longer recognised in Virginia. This was especially the case regarding ‘Tryals by Juryes’, which were limited by the legal procedures instituted in that colony. The Lawes of Virginia therefore directed that, as this ‘restriction is quite contrary to the Law of England … by which we are to be governed’, trial by jury was to be reinstated, and a jury empanelled to attend court on a daily basis. The Lawes of Virginia now in force. Collected out of the Assembly records, and digested into one volume [by F. Moryson and H. Randolph.] Revised and confirmed by the Grand Assembly held at James-City, ... March 23, 1661, etc. London : Printed by E. Cotes for A. Seile, 1662. Source: C.78.d.2, page 23. Language: English.

The Lawes of Virginia. Virginia was the first permanent English colony in North America, established by the London Company in 1607. The foundation charter of that new colony, drafted by Sir Edward Coke (d. 1634), stated that English law should be applied to the settlers. However, by the time that The Lawes of Virginia was published in 1662, it had become evident that certain principles of English law, which took their inspiration from Magna Carta, were no longer recognised in Virginia. This was especially the case regarding ‘Tryals by Juryes’, which were limited by the legal procedures instituted in that colony. The Lawes of Virginia therefore directed that, as this ‘restriction is quite contrary to the Law of England … by which we are to be governed’, trial by jury was to be reinstated, and a jury empanelled to attend court on a daily basis. The Lawes of Virginia now in force. Collected out of the Assembly records, and digested into one volume [by F. Moryson and H. Randolph.] Revised and confirmed by the Grand Assembly held at James-City, ... March 23, 1661, etc. London : Printed by E. Cotes for A. Seile, 1662. Source: C.78.d.2, page 23. Language: English.

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