One thing most people on this thread have missed is the phrase "freeman". This did apply to nobles but it also applied to any free man. So if you were a yeoman or a craftsman or anybody but a bound serf you had the right to a jury trial.
This was pretty much unique in human history.
101 posted on 06/22/2013 3:22:05 PM PDT by Harmless Teddy Bear
(Revenge is a dish best served with pinto beans and muffins)