British legal history traces its roots back to the early medieval period, influenced by the Anglo-Saxon legal traditions and the Norman Conquest of 1066. The establishment of common law under King Henry II in the 12th century marked a significant development, as it created a unified legal system across England, replacing local customs with standardized laws. Over the centuries, British law evolved through landmark events such as the Magna Carta in 1215, which limited royal power and established legal rights. The Judicature Acts of the 19th century further reformed the court system, leading to the modern legal framework that governs the United Kingdom today.