Strafford, who had become the immediate target of the Parliamentarians, stands trial for high treason in March 1641.

The incident provides a new departure for Irish politics whereby Old English, Gaelic Irish and New English settlers join together in a legal body to present evidence against Strafford.

The Lords are opposed, however, to the severity of the sentence of death imposed upon Strafford on the 22nd of March, and the evidence supplied by Vale in relation to Strafford's alleged improper use and threat to England via the Irish army is not upheld by another witness, and the case consequently begins to flounder.

Moreover, Strafford's life ultimately lies in Charles' hands as his execution cannot go ahead unless the king signs the Bill of Attainder.

Yet, increased tensions and an attempted coup by the army in favor of Strafford begin to sway the issue.

In the Commons the Bill goes virtually unopposed (two hundred and four in favor, fifty-nine opposed, two hundred and fifty abstained), the Lords acquiesced, and Charles, fearing for the safety of his family, signs on May 10.

The Earl of Strafford is beheaded two days later.

Charles, in a development even more far-reaching than the Triennial Act, assents in May to an Act which provides that Parliament cannot be dissolved without its own consent.

The Root and Branch Petition forms the basis of the Root and Branch Bill, which is drawn up by Oliver St. John and in May introduced in Parliament by Henry Vane the Younger and Oliver Cromwell.