This oath, then, is conclusive proof that his legislation
was of no authority with a jury, and that they were
under no obligation whatever to enforce it, unless it
coincided with their own ideas of justice.
The ancient coronation oath is printed with the
Statutes of the Realm, vol. i., p. 168, and is as follows: [31]
TRANSLATION.
"Form of the Oath of the King of England, on his
Coronation.
(The Archbishop of Canterbury, to whom, of right and
custom of the Church of Canterbury, ancient and
approved, it pertains to anoint and crown the kings of
England, on the day of the coronation of the king, and
before the king is crowned, shall propound the
underwritten questions to the king.)
The laws and customs, conceded to the English people
by the ancient, just, and pious English kings, will you
concede and preserve to the same people, with the
confirmation of an oath? and especially the laws, customs,
and liberties conceded to the clergy and people by the
illustrious king Edward?
(And the king shall answer,) I do concede, and will
preserve them, and confirm them by my oath.
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