R v Hampden (the Ship Money Case)

Facts

Charles I levied ship money on inland counties without Parliament's consent. John Hampden refused to pay.

Issue

Could the King levy this charge without Parliament in a claimed emergency?

Held

A majority of the judges upheld the King's power, accepting that he was the judge of the danger.

Principle

The case shows how wide the prerogative was once thought to be. Parliament declared ship money unlawful in 1641.

Why it matters

Part of the struggle between Crown and Parliament that ended in the Bill of Rights 1689.

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