The King’s Great Sessions in Wales, established in 1543, functioned as a court system with equivalent jurisdiction to the English assizes. While it adhered to English law, it was not bound by English case precedent. Operating alongside the English courts, it employed justices well-versed in the laws of the realm. However, the Great Sessions were abolished in 1830, leading to the unification of England and Wales under a single jurisdiction.
The King’s Great Sessions in Wales, established in 1543, was a common-law court in Wales. It had the same jurisdiction as the English assizes, but it was obligated to adhere to English law rather than English case precedent. This court was also referred to as the Court of Great Sessions in Wales. It operated alongside the English courts and had the same jurisdiction in Wales as the King’s Bench and Common Pleas had in England. However, it was not required to follow English case precedent. In 1830, the Great Sessions were abolished, and England and Wales merged into one jurisdiction with the addition of two extra circuits to the English assize system.
King’s Great Sessions in Wales refers to the historical court system that operated in Wales during the medieval period. It was established by King Edward I in the late 13th century and consisted of two sessions, one in North Wales and one in South Wales, where cases were heard and justice was administered.
King’s Great Sessions in Wales had jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases. Civil cases included disputes over land, property, contracts, and debts, while criminal cases involved offenses such as theft, assault, and murder.
The sessions were presided over by judges appointed by the King, known as Justices of the Great Sessions. They were usually experienced lawyers or members of the nobility who traveled to Wales to administer justice.
Decisions in the sessions were made by a panel of judges, typically three in number. They would hear the evidence presented by both parties and then deliberate to reach a verdict. In criminal cases, the judges also had the power to impose sentences.
Yes, there was a provision for appeals from the decisions of the sessions. Appeals could be made to the Court of Great Sessions in Westminster, which had the authority to review and potentially overturn the decisions made in Wales.
Witnesses were called to testify in person during the sessions. They would be examined and cross-examined by the lawyers representing the parties involved. Other forms of evidence, such as documents or physical objects, could also be presented to support the arguments.
Yes, legal professionals played a crucial role in the sessions. Lawyers, known as barristers, represented the parties involved in the cases and presented their arguments before the judges. They were responsible for preparing the legal documents and presenting the evidence.
Initially, the sessions were conducted in Latin, which was the language of the legal profession at the time. However, as the sessions evolved, English became the predominant language used in the proceedings.
The King’s Great Sessions in Wales operated for several centuries, from the late 13th century until the late 19th century. They were eventually abolished in 1830 and replaced by the modern court system.
The King’s Great Sessions in Wales hold historical significance as they represent an important part of Wales’ legal and judicial history. They played a crucial role in the administration of justice and the development of the legal system in Wales.
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This glossary post was last updated: 30th April 2024.
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