Final answer:
Henry II's judicial reforms benefited the English kings by strengthening royal authority, creating a uniform legal system, and increasing royal finances through legal fees and fines. These reforms also set the stage for the creation of the Magna Carta and the establishment of English common law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kings of England benefited from Henry II's judicial reforms because these reforms strengthened royal authority and established a centralized system of justice. Before Henry II's reforms, feudal lords often administered justice according to their own interests, which could conflict with the interests of the king. By standardizing the legal processes and making the Crown the ultimate source of justice, Henry II created a more uniform and controlled legal system.
This change allowed kings to exercise greater control over their realm and it also increased the Crown's finances through fees and fines associated with the new courts and legal procedures. The reforms can be seen as part of a broader trend that led to important documents like the Magna Carta, which enshrined legal rights and due process, influencing social order and even contributing to the nation's economic standing.
Through Henry II's judicial reforms, the English monarchy increased its power over both the aristocracy and the church. This was significant in the emergence of a government that was more centralized and less subject to the whims of feudal lords or the church hierarchy.
Additionally, these changes paved the way for a legal system based on common law, which would become one of the most enduring legacies of English governance, influencing legal systems in many parts of the world, including the United States.