Dr Thomas Fastolf and the History of Law Reporting

The Avignon Papal Court, established during the papacy of John XXII (1316–34), marked a pivotal development in European legal history by institutionalizing case-law reporting through its collegiate body of distinguished auditors. This court, housed in a purpose-built hall ('La Grande Audience') and governed by the 1331 bull Ratio Juris, set unprecedented standards for judicial solemnity and procedural rigor. The study highlights how the Avignon court's structured procedures—including robed hearings, lengthy oaths, and diligent case determination—elevated its authority as a model of excellence in justice, influencing legal traditions across Europe.

(Ed.). (2013). Dr Thomas Fastolf and the History of Law Reporting. Collected Papers on English Legal History, 579–592. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781316090930.034