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petty sessions
petty sessions. These were the regular courts held by the justices of the peace to try minor criminal offences summarily—i.e. without a jury. The office of justice of the peace dates back to the conservators of the peace, appointed by Richard I, but the most important legislation instituting the office was passed in the 14th cent., notably the Justices of the Peace Act, 1361. The first courts held by the justices were the quarter sessions, but by statute and practice justices were also empowered to hear cases ‘on examination’ or summarily. These petty sessions (from French petit or lesser) were first so called in the first half of the 19th cent. They dealt with most criminal offences and, as the magistrates' courts, they continue to do so.
Maureen Mulholland |
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Cite this article
JOHN CANNON. "petty sessions." The Oxford Companion to British History. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN CANNON. "petty sessions." The Oxford Companion to British History. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O110-pettysessions.html JOHN CANNON. "petty sessions." The Oxford Companion to British History. 2002. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O110-pettysessions.html |
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petty sessions
petty sessions These were the regular courts held by the justices of the peace to try minor criminal offences summarily—i.e. without a jury. These petty sessions (from French petit or lesser) were first so called in the first half of the 19th cent. They dealt with most criminal offences and, as the magistrates' courts, they continue to do so.
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Cite this article
JOHN CANNON. "petty sessions." A Dictionary of British History. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN CANNON. "petty sessions." A Dictionary of British History. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O43-pettysessions.html JOHN CANNON. "petty sessions." A Dictionary of British History. 2004. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O43-pettysessions.html |
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petty sessions
petty sessions A court held by the sheriff of a HUNDRED in 16th-century England. They were mainly concerned with maintaining order and local economic regulations. More serious cases were referred to general or quarter sessions.
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Cite this article
"petty sessions." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "petty sessions." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-pettysessions.html "petty sessions." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-pettysessions.html |
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