Define: Court Rolls

A court roll is a document that records the proceedings and decisions of a court, typically a medieval or historical court. It contains information about cases, judgments, and other legal matters.

Court rolls are usually kept in archives or historical repositories. You can access them by visiting these institutions or by requesting copies or digital versions of the court rolls.

While court rolls are not commonly used in modern courts, some jurisdictions may still maintain a record of court proceedings in a similar format. However, the use of electronic databases and digital records has largely replaced the traditional court roll system.

A court roll typically includes details about the parties involved in a case, the nature of the dispute, the court’s decision or judgment, and any fines or penalties imposed. It may also contain information about land ownership, property disputes, and other legal matters.

In some cases, court rolls can be used as historical evidence to support legal arguments or establish precedents. However, their admissibility as evidence may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific rules of evidence.

Court rolls are generally considered reliable historical documents, but they may contain errors or omissions due to the limitations of record-keeping practices in the past. It is important to cross-reference court rolls with other sources to ensure accuracy.

Court rolls are often considered public records, but access to them may be restricted or subject to certain conditions. It is advisable to check with the relevant archives or repositories regarding their access policies.

In most cases, you can obtain copies of court rolls by contacting the archives or repositories that hold them. However, there may be fees associated with obtaining copies, and some institutions may have restrictions on copying certain documents.

Court rolls are valuable sources for studying legal, social, and economic history. They can provide insights into the legal system, social relationships, economic activities, and the lives of individuals in a particular time and place. Researchers often analyze court rolls to understand the dynamics of past societies.