Editing Star Chamber (section)

The Star Chamber was a court of law in England that originated in the late 15th century and reached the height of its power during the reigns of Tudor monarchs, particularly Henry VII and Henry VIII. It was named after the star-decorated ceiling of the room in Westminster Palace where the court originally met. The Star Chamber was known for its secretive proceedings and lack of juries. Instead, cases were heard by a panel of judges and councilors, often including members of the royal council.

Originally intended to deal with serious offenses such as treason, the Star Chamber gradually expanded its jurisdiction to cover a wide range of cases involving political and social matters, including perjury, corruption, and disputes over land and property. Its procedures were often arbitrary and lacked many of the legal protections afforded in other courts. Defendants were frequently subjected to harsh treatment and punishment, including imprisonment, fines, and even torture.

By the early 17th century, the Star Chamber had become associated with abuse of power and tyranny. It was seen as a tool of royal absolutism, used to suppress dissent and punish political opponents. Its unpopularity contributed to its eventual abolition in 1641 during the English Civil War.