Which monarch is associated with the establishment of common law in England?

The establishment of common law in England is closely associated with Henry II. During his reign in the 12th century, Henry II implemented significant legal reforms aimed at creating a more uniform legal system across the country. This included the establishment of royal courts that operated under standardized laws rather than local customs, which varied widely from one region to another.

Henry II's initiatives laid the groundwork for what we recognize today as common law, a legal system that is based on judicial decisions and precedents rather than solely on statutes. His emphasis on the rule of law and the establishment of legal procedures helped to strengthen the central authority of the monarchy while also providing a measure of fairness and stability for the kingdom.

The other monarchs mentioned do not have the same historical connection to the development of common law. For instance, while Henry VIII is known for his separation from the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England, and George III is often associated with the American Revolution, their contributions were more political in nature than legal. Charles I's reign is marked more by conflict with Parliament and issues of governance rather than the establishment of a unified legal framework. Thus, Henry II stands out as the monarch whose actions were pivotal in the formation of common law in England.