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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Court of Assistants
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A quick definition of Court of Assistants:
Court of Assistants: A group of people who acted as both a government and a court in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. They listened to appeals from lower courts and made decisions on certain cases, like divorces. There were also county courts below them.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: The Court of Assistants was a colonial body established in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. Its purpose was to serve as a legislature and court for the colony. The Court of Assistants was made up of the governor, deputy governor, and magistrates. It had the power to hear appeals from lower courts and take original jurisdiction in certain cases, such as cases of divorce. The county courts were below the Court of Assistants.
Example: In the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the Court of Assistants was responsible for hearing appeals from lower courts. For example, if someone was unhappy with the decision made in a county court, they could appeal to the Court of Assistants. The Court of Assistants would then review the case and make a final decision.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the Court of Assistants acted as a higher court in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It shows how the Court of Assistants had the power to review decisions made in lower courts and make a final decision. This was an important function of the Court of Assistants, as it ensured that justice was served fairly and consistently throughout the colony.