Injustice Lurks in the Shadows of Power

In medieval England, the effectiveness of dispute resolution was heavily influenced by patronage and connections, often leading to dissatisfaction among those involved. While the king was intended to serve as an impartial arbiter, the inability or unwillingness of kings like Henry VI to intervene exacerbated local conflicts. Nobles like Suffolk, while attempting to address disputes, operated within their own partisan frameworks, which rendered their decisions politically motivated rather than fair. This absence of royal oversight fostered escalating tensions and unresolved conflicts, highlighting the fragile nature of justice when dependent on powerful individuals rather than a neutral authority.