Henry of Bracton, also Henry de Bracton, also Henrici Bracton (d. 1268) was an English jurist. He is famous now for his writings on law, particularly De Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae (On the Laws and Customs of England), and his ideas on mens rea, or criminal intent. According to Bracton, it was only through the examination of a combination of action and intention that the commission of a criminal act could be established. He also wrote on kingship, arguing that a ruler should only be called 'king' if he obtained power in a lawful manner.'
References
- Bracton, Henry de. De Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae, 4 vols., ed. G. E. Woodbine, transl. S. E. Thorne. Publications of the Selden Society, London, 1968-77.
