The First Professional Judges

Martin de Pateshull was one of the finest lawyers of England and became the Justice of the bench in 1217. 

Advocates who practised at the Court of Common Pleas and eventually graduated to the post of professional judges, the first one being Lawrence de Brok in 1268.

Bribes and under the table payments were quite common in the 13th century, though they were under oath not to accept gifts or rewards. The salaries of judges were increased to curb bribery.