EIRE, or EYRE

In old English law. A journey, route, or circuit. Justices in eire werejudges who were sent by commission, every seven years, into various counties to holdthe assizes and hear pleas of the crown. 3 Bl. Comm. 58.

Categories: E

DAY-BULE, or DAY-WRIT

In English law. A permission granted to a prisoner to go out of prison, for the purpose of transacting his business, as to hear a case in which he Is concerned at the assizes, etc. Abolished by 5 & 6 Yict. c. 22,

Categories: D

ASSISE, OR ASSIZE

1. An ancient species of court, consisting of a certain number of men, usually twelve, who were summoned together to try a disputed cause, performing the functions of a jury, except that they gave a verdict from their own investigation and knowledge and not upon evidence adduced. From the fact that they sat together, (assidco,)… Continue Reading ASSISE, OR ASSIZE

Categories: A

CROWN COURT

In English law. The court in which the crown cases, or criminal business, of the assizes is transacted.

Categories: C

OYER AND TERMINER

A half French phrase applied in England to the assizes, which are so called from the commis- sion of oyer and terminer directed to the judges, empowering them to “inquire, hear, and determine” all treasons, felonies, and misdemeanors. This commission is now is- sued regularly, but was formerly used only on particular occasions, as upon… Continue Reading OYER AND TERMINER

Categories: O