The year 1362 marked a pivotal transformation for the English language, especially in government and legal spheres. The Pleading in English Act 1362—often called the Statute of Pleading—was enacted by Parliament under Edward III. Before this, Law French remained the oral language of courts and official business since the Norman Conquest.
The Act had two main provisions: court proceedings were to be conducted in English, reflecting popular sentiment and accessibility; however, records and enrollments would continue in Latin. This change did not make English the only language in government overnight, but set the stage for its rise and standardization.
The 1362 Parliament was also opened with the first-ever speech delivered in English, symbolizing the elevation of English from common vernacular to an official role in national life. These reforms gradually allowed English to emerge as the language of law, government, and everyday public life, diminishing the dominance of French and Latin.
How 1362 Changed English
The Statute of Pleading 1362 responded directly to the people’s lack of understanding of Law French used in courts and governance. It recognized English as “the tongue of the country” and declared that everyone should be able to comprehend legal proceedings. This statute fueled English’s ascendancy in administration and public affairs.
While Latin remained the language of written records for some time, oral proceedings, parliamentary speeches, and eventually policies began to use English. The long-term legacy was profound: English steadily became the language of the royal court, legal arguments, and government documents by the late 15th century. The act also influenced Ireland when extended there in 1495.
FAQs: 1362 and English
Q: What was the Statute of Pleading 1362?
A: It was an act of Parliament requiring all oral court pleadings and arguments to be in English, while records remained in Latin.
Q: Why was the act passed?
A: Because Law French, the previous legal language, was unintelligible to most English people, creating barriers to justice and participation.
Q: What impact did the act have?
A: The act marked the beginning of modern legal English, making law and government accessible, giving English an official status in public affairs, and opening Parliament with an English speech for the first time.
Q: Did the act end the use of French and Latin?
A: No, French continued to influence law and society, and Latin remained the language for written legal records and documents for many years after.
Q: How did 1362 shape the future of English?
A: It set a precedent for the use of English in official proceedings, fostering its standardization and expansion into all areas of national life.
