The British Empire: A source for good or evil? January 2014 | Page 5

British Domination
IV - Laws and the British Empire
. Law has always been central to British self-perception. The heritage of a balanced
constitution, the rule of law, and the ‘rights of free-born Englishmen’ has been as important
to the historical formation of British identity as language, Protestant religion, and perceived
differences with enemies, rivals or subordinated populations. Unsurprisingly, law played an
equally central role in imperial governance as well as in the justification of imperial rule.
This role is still being evaluated by scholars, who continue to diverge widely in their
opinions. These are not simplistic arguments highlighting or denying the blessings of
English law – scholars argue over whether English law was indeed capable of being
transported, and if not, what kind of laws came to be applied in the colonies. Scholars
have also debated the motivations and visions underlying imperial legislation, the social
effect of the laws as applied, and the role of colonial populations themselves in shaping
these laws and their effects.
Questions:
1. Doc. I What is the British Empire?
2. Doc. II Of what is the British Empire composed?
3. Doc. II What remplaced the British Empire and when?
5. Write a text about the Law in the British Empire.