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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace
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A quick definition of Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace:
The Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace was a court in England that met four times a year in each county. It was made up of justices of the peace and had the power to try and decide on criminal cases, such as felonies and trespasses. In some states, a similar court was held four times a year with jurisdiction over misdemeanors and administrative tasks like taking care of public roads and bridges. The court was abolished in 1971, and its jurisdiction was transferred to the Crown Court.
A more thorough explanation:
The Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace was a court of criminal jurisdiction held in each county (or borough) once every quarter of a year. It was made up of a county's justices of the peace and had the power to try and determine all felonies and trespasses. The court committed certain cases to the Assizes. Quarter Sessions were abolished in 1971, with most jurisdiction transferred to the Crown Court.
For example, in England, the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace was held before two or more justices of the peace, one of which must be of the quorum. The court's jurisdiction extended to trying and determining all felonies and trespasses, although they seldom tried any greater offense than small felonies within the benefit of clergy.
In some states in the US, the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace was held four times a year and had jurisdiction over misdemeanors and occasionally tasks of an administrative nature, such as the care of public roads and bridges.
These examples illustrate how the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace was a court of criminal jurisdiction that had the power to try and determine certain cases. It was made up of justices of the peace and was held at regular intervals in each county or borough.