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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Dean of the Arches
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A quick definition of Dean of the Arches:
The Dean of the Arches is the judge who leads the Court of Arches, which is an important court in English law. This court is responsible for hearing appeals from provincial diocesan courts in the province of Canterbury. It used to be that the Pope heard appeals from this court, but now the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council hears certain appeals. The court gets its name from the fact that it was originally held in the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, which has a steeple made of arches.
A more thorough explanation:
The Dean of the Arches is the presiding judge of the Court of Arches in English law. The Court of Arches is an ecclesiastical court in the province of Canterbury, responsible for hearing appeals from provincial diocesan courts.
For example, if someone is unhappy with a decision made by their local diocesan court, they can appeal to the Court of Arches. The Dean of the Arches would then preside over the appeal and make a decision.
The Court of Arches used to be responsible for hearing appeals from testamentary cases in the Ecclesiastical Courts. The court gets its name from the fact that it was originally held in the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, which has a steeple raised on stone pillars formed archwise like bent bows.
Today, certain appeals from the Court of Arches are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.