What were chancery courts created to oversee?

Chancery courts were established to provide a specific legal framework for addressing matters that required more equitable solutions than what was available through common law courts. These courts played a significant role in the protection and oversight of individuals, particularly minors and those unable to manage their own affairs, including highborn minors.

By focusing on the lives of highborn minors, chancery courts took on responsibilities such as the management of estates and guardianships, ensuring that the interests of these vulnerable individuals were safeguarded. This aspect of chancery court function reflects the historical context in which these courts emerged—aiming to provide fairness and justice in personal matters that standard legal procedures might overlook. Consequently, the creation of chancery courts aligns with the need for a more flexible and equitable approach in overseeing the lives of those not yet able to fully represent themselves in legal matters.