Law French

Law French
Lawe Frensch
RegionBritish Isles
EraUsed in English law from c. 13th century until c. 18th century
Early forms
Language codes
ISO 639-3

Law French (Middle English: Lawe Frensch) is an archaic language originally based on Anglo-Norman, but increasingly influenced by Parisian French and, later, English. It was used in the law courts of England from the 13th century. Its use continued for several centuries in the courts of England and Wales and Ireland. Although Law French as a narrative legal language is obsolete, many individual Law French terms continue to be used by lawyers and judges in common law jurisdictions.