• A breach of the peace in one of these areas subjected the offender to punishment in the king’s court. Over time, the area subject to the king’s peace grew, which in turn increased the jurisdiction of the royal courts. — Also written King’s Peace. Cf. AGAINST THE PEACE AND DIGNITY OF THE STATE.
King’s peace
Hist. A royal subject’s right to be protected from crime (to “have peace”) in certain areas subject to the king’s immediate control, such as the king’s palace or highway.