<P> In the 12th century , Henry II took a major step in developing the jury system . Henry set up a system to resolve land disputes using juries . A jury of twelve free men were assigned to arbitrate in these disputes . Unlike the modern jury , these men were charged with uncovering the facts of the case on their own rather than listening to arguments in court . Henry also introduced what is now known as the `` grand jury '' , through his Grand Assize . Under the assize , a jury of free men was charged with reporting any crimes that they knew of in their hundred to a `` justice in eyre , '' a judge who moved between hundreds on a circuit . A criminal accused by this jury was given a trial by ordeal . Under the jury , the chances of being found guilty were much lower , as the king did not choose verdict ( or punishment ) . </P>
<P> In the 12th century , Henry II took a major step in developing the jury system . Henry set up a system to resolve land disputes using juries . A jury of twelve free men were assigned to arbitrate in these disputes . Unlike the modern jury , these men were charged with uncovering the facts of the case on their own rather than listening to arguments in court . Henry also introduced what is now known as the `` grand jury '' , through his Grand Assize . Under the assize , a jury of free men was charged with reporting any crimes that they knew of in their hundred to a `` justice in eyre , '' a judge who moved between hundreds on a circuit . A criminal accused by this jury was given a trial by ordeal . Under the jury , the chances of being found guilty were much lower , as the king did not choose verdict ( or punishment ) . </P>
who laid the foundation for the right to trial by jury
who laid the foundation for the right to trial by jury
Henry II
Henry II