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Star Chamber

Definition

The Star Chamber was an English court which sat at the royal Palace of Westminster until 1641. It was composed mostly by Privy Councillors, aiming to ensure fair enforcement of laws against socially or politically prominent people who were so powerful that ordinary courts would probably hesitate to convict them.

Related terms

Privy Council: A body serving as advisors to the sovereign in England. Like a group of trusted friends you go to for advice when making big decisions.

Common Law System: A legal system originating in England characterized by case law developed by judges, courts, and similar tribunals. It's like a game where the rules evolve based on how previous games were played.

Absolute Monarchy: A form of government where the monarch has absolute power among his or her people. Like being the captain of a ship with no crew input - you make all decisions.

"Star Chamber" appears in:

Study guides (1)

AP European History - 2.1 Contextualizing 16th and 17th-Century Challenges and Developments

Practice Questions (2)

Which religious figure is associated with the establishment of the Star Chamber, a separate court under the jurisdiction of the King?
What might have been a possible outcome if Henry VII of England had not established the Star Chamber to increase his control over the nobility?

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