Lex Facit Regem v. Quod Principi Placuit: Dramatic Symbols of Crown and Common Law

Through an analysis of three masques presented at the Inns of Court between 1561 and 1613, this article examines the relationship between the Crown and the common law, and the competing claims of each to represent and embody the incontestable source of constitutional supremacy. An examination of the texts of these masques reveals the nature of the ideal constitution sought by common lawyers, and the role envisaged for the monarch within this Utopian state. He/She is depicted as the iconic symbol of English nationhood and unity. But the overriding theme of the masques is that the common law has existed since time immemorial and is endowed with divine authority. Consequently its sovereignty cannot be challenged by any earthly king or queen.