The Star Chamber was a court in England that operated from the late 15th century until the mid-17th century. It was established to hear cases involving the nobility and to address issues that the regular courts could not handle effectively. The court was known for its secretive proceedings and lack of a jury, which allowed it to enforce the law more strictly. The Star Chamber was part of the royal prerogative and was often used by the monarchy, particularly during the reign of King Henry VII and King James I. Its controversial practices led to its decline, and it was abolished in 1641 due to concerns over its abuse of power and lack of fairness.