Difference between revisions of "Law and Law Enforcement"

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*[http://www.imperial-london.me.uk/inns-of-court.php Legal London in 1900: The Inns of Court]
 
*[http://www.imperial-london.me.uk/inns-of-court.php Legal London in 1900: The Inns of Court]
  
*[http://www.graysinn.info/index.php?Itemid=686&id=4&option=com_content&task=section Gray's Inn Library and Archives] Also holds the surviving records of Barnard's Inn & Staple's Inn.
+
*[http://www.graysinn.info/index.php?Itemid=686&id=4&option=com_content&task=section Gray's Inn Library and Archives, also holds the surviving records of Barnard's Inn & Staple's Inn.]
  
 
*[http://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/lib_gen.asp Lincoln's Inn Library and Archives]
 
*[http://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/lib_gen.asp Lincoln's Inn Library and Archives]
  
 +
*[http://www.middletemple.org.uk/library_ Middle Temple Library and Archive]
  
 
==Legal Systems in other Jurisdictions==
 
==Legal Systems in other Jurisdictions==
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*[http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=Research_Guide:_Assizes_-_Criminal_Trials A Guide to Searching Assize Court Records]
 
*[http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=Research_Guide:_Assizes_-_Criminal_Trials A Guide to Searching Assize Court Records]
  
*[http://www.infopt.demon.co.uk/grub/grub.htm Early 18th Century Crime Reports- Newspaper Extracts]
+
*[http://grubstreet.rictornorton.co.uk/ Early 18th Century Crime Reports- Newspaper Extracts]
  
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/catalogue.aspx?gid=90 Some Early Law Reports for Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Sussex and Yorkshire]
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/catalogue.aspx?gid=90 Some Early Law Reports for Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Sussex and Yorkshire]
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*[http://www.philological.bham.ac.uk/garnet/ A  True and Perfect Relation of the Proceedings at the Severall Arraignments of the Late Most Barbarous Traitors (1606)]
 
*[http://www.philological.bham.ac.uk/garnet/ A  True and Perfect Relation of the Proceedings at the Severall Arraignments of the Late Most Barbarous Traitors (1606)]
 +
  
 
==London==
 
==London==
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*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.asp?pubid=569 London Possessory Assizes 1340-1451]
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.asp?pubid=569 London Possessory Assizes 1340-1451]
  
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.asp?pubid=153 The London Eyre of 1244] -Royal Courts
+
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.asp?pubid=153 The London Eyre of 1244]  
  
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=35992 The London Eyre of 1276]
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=35992 The London Eyre of 1276]
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==Regional==
 
==Regional==
  
*[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/seth/pleas-bedfordeyre.html Bedford Eyre 1202]
+
*[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/seth/pleas-bedfordeyre.html Pleas at Bedford in the Fourth Year of the Reign of King John]
 
 
*[http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/archives/education/victorian_crime/ Crime and Punishment in Buckinghamshire]
 
  
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/fountalnpen/quartsess.html Chester - Quarter Sessions Records and Other Records of The Justices of The Peace Abstracts of Selected Documents 1528 - 1760]
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/fountalnpen/quartsess.html Chester - Quarter Sessions Records and Other Records of The Justices of The Peace Abstracts of Selected Documents 1528 - 1760]
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*[http://sites.scran.ac.uk/lamb/crime.htm A History of Crime and Punishment in Dundee]
 
*[http://sites.scran.ac.uk/lamb/crime.htm A History of Crime and Punishment in Dundee]
  
*[http://www.essex-family-history.co.uk/James1crime.htm Essex Assize List 1600-1625]
+
*[http://www.essex-family-history.co.uk/James1crime.htm Crime During The Reign of James I]
  
*[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mrawson/sessions.html Kent Quarter Sessions Indices] Records between 1682 and 1804
+
*[http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~mrawson/sessions.html Kent Quarter Sessions Indices]  
  
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/myjacobfamily/CP40-169.htm Extract From Roll of The Court of Common Pleas, Kent 1308]
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/myjacobfamily/CP40-169.htm Extract From Roll of The Court of Common Pleas, Kent 1308]
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/myjacobfamilymiscellania/oxenhoath1 Some Oxenhoath, Kent Court Rolls, 17th & 18th C.]
 
  
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/catalogue.aspx?gid=90 Feet of Fines - Lancashire, Lincoln and Sussex]
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/catalogue.aspx?gid=90 Feet of Fines - Lancashire, Lincoln and Sussex]
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*[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/seth/pleas-lincolneyre.html Lincolnshire Eyre 1202]
 
*[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/seth/pleas-lincolneyre.html Lincolnshire Eyre 1202]
 
*[http://www.manchester.gov.uk/Libraries/arls/pdf/courtrecords.pdf A Guide to Court & Prison Records in Manchester]
 
  
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/catalogue.aspx?gid=114 Middlesex Quarter Sessions 1550-1709]
 
*[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/catalogue.aspx?gid=114 Middlesex Quarter Sessions 1550-1709]
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*[http://www.genealogytoday.com/au/articles/convict_research.html Convicts Tried at Nottingham Borough Quarter Sessions Assizes -Details of Prisoners who were subsequently deported to Australia]
 
*[http://www.genealogytoday.com/au/articles/convict_research.html Convicts Tried at Nottingham Borough Quarter Sessions Assizes -Details of Prisoners who were subsequently deported to Australia]
 
*[http://www.toughtimesandgrislycrimes.co.uk/ A History of Crime in Northumberland and Durham]
 
 
*[http://www.users.waitrose.com/~cabanas/FLHIG/Articles/SIGGNL03-01.htm Indexing Quarter Session Records - the Shropshire Experience]
 
  
 
*[http://www.southernlife.org.uk/piepowder.htm Pie Powder Courts in Southampton]
 
*[http://www.southernlife.org.uk/piepowder.htm Pie Powder Courts in Southampton]
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*[http://www.le.ac.uk/ee/pot/research/penance.html Ecclesiastical Courts]
 
*[http://www.le.ac.uk/ee/pot/research/penance.html Ecclesiastical Courts]
  
*[http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/69386/excerpt/9780521869386_excerpt.pdf The Ecclesiatical Church - Structures and Procedures]
+
*[http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/69386/excerpt/9780521869386_excerpt.pdf The Ecclesiatical Court - Structures and Procedures]
  
 
*[http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/69386/frontmatter/9780521869386_frontmatter.pdf The Rise and Fall of the Ecclesiastical Courts]
 
*[http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/69386/frontmatter/9780521869386_frontmatter.pdf The Rise and Fall of the Ecclesiastical Courts]
 
*[http://www.medievalgenealogy.org.uk/guide/ecc.shtml Church Records]
 
  
 
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/familyhistory/next_steps/adv_06_church_courts_01.shtml Church Courts - BBC History]
 
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/familyhistory/next_steps/adv_06_church_courts_01.shtml Church Courts - BBC History]
 
*[http://www.oxford.anglican.org/static/family-history.php Historic Records of the Diocese of Oxford]
 
  
 
*[http://www.the-orb.net/atherstone/leicester.html Leicester Archdeaconry Court - Winter v Petcher 1597-8]
 
*[http://www.the-orb.net/atherstone/leicester.html Leicester Archdeaconry Court - Winter v Petcher 1597-8]
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'''For Emigration and Immigration and Convict Transportation see separate page -[http://www.familytreeforum.com/wiki/index.php/Emigration_and_Immigration Emigration and Immigration]'''
 
'''For Emigration and Immigration and Convict Transportation see separate page -[http://www.familytreeforum.com/wiki/index.php/Emigration_and_Immigration Emigration and Immigration]'''
 
 
  
 
==Gaols and Prisons==
 
==Gaols and Prisons==
 
 
*[http://apps.buckscc.gov.uk/eforms/libPrisoners/index.aspx Aylesbury Prison in the 1870s]
 
  
 
*[http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/gaol/contents.htm Bedford Gaol in the 19th Century]   
 
*[http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/gaol/contents.htm Bedford Gaol in the 19th Century]   
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*[http://www.derbygaol.com/crime_punishment.htm Executed Prisoners Derby Gaol 1756-1825]  
 
*[http://www.derbygaol.com/crime_punishment.htm Executed Prisoners Derby Gaol 1756-1825]  
 
*[http://www.multiline.com.au/~jeand/jweb/index.html Inmates of Derby Gaol 1750-1868]
 
  
 
*[http://www.dur.ac.uk/4schools/Crime/Durhamprison1.htm A History of Durham Gaol]
 
*[http://www.dur.ac.uk/4schools/Crime/Durhamprison1.htm A History of Durham Gaol]
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*[http://www.ruthingaol.co.uk/English.htm History of Ruthin Gaol]  
 
*[http://www.ruthingaol.co.uk/English.htm History of Ruthin Gaol]  
 
*[http://www.dumgal.gov.uk/historicalindexes/jail.aspx Jail and Bail Bond Books of Dumfries]
 
  
 
*[http://sites.scran.ac.uk/lamb/crime-pages/L442(5).htm Inmates of Dundee Jail in 1819]
 
*[http://sites.scran.ac.uk/lamb/crime-pages/L442(5).htm Inmates of Dundee Jail in 1819]
 
*[http://www.inverarayjail.co.uk/index.htm Inveraray Prison]
 
  
 
*[http://www.rootsweb.com/~engchs/WAL.html Walton Gaol- Inmates and Staff, 1881]
 
*[http://www.rootsweb.com/~engchs/WAL.html Walton Gaol- Inmates and Staff, 1881]
  
*[http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/calendarofprisoners Inmates of Warwick County Prison 1800 - 1900
+
*[http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/calendarofprisoners Inmates of Warwick County Prison 1800 - 1900]
 
 
*[http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/web/corporate/pages.nsf/links/3c3becfc9af8fc7b80256e7e0056b9fe Warwickshire Prisoners 1800-1900]
 
 
 
*[http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/archives/education/victorian_crime/ Life for Children in Prison in Victorian Britain]
 
  
  
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*[http://www.friendsofmethistory.co.uk/ Friends of the Metropolitan Police Historical Collection]
 
*[http://www.friendsofmethistory.co.uk/ Friends of the Metropolitan Police Historical Collection]
  
*[http://www.met.police.uk/history/timeline1829-1849.htm History of The Metropolitan Police Force]
+
*[http://www.met.police.uk/history/timeline1829-1849.htm The Metropolitan Police Force Time Line 1829 - 1849]
  
 
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=104&j=1 Metropolitan Police (London): Records of Service]
 
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=104&j=1 Metropolitan Police (London): Records of Service]
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*[http://www.policeorders.co.uk/ Metropolitan Police Orders Database]
 
*[http://www.policeorders.co.uk/ Metropolitan Police Orders Database]
  
*[http://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/aboutus/history.html City of London Police]
+
*[http://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/CityPolice/About/History/ A brief history of the City of London Police]
  
*[http://www.geocities.com/evesfam/police/Policeindx.htm Index of Metropolitan Police Listed in The Police Orders of 1878]
+
*[http://www.geocities.com/evesfam/police/Policeindx.htm Index of Metropolitan Police Listed in The Police Orders of 1868]
  
 
*[http://www.met.police.uk/history/index.htm History of the Metropolitan Police]
 
*[http://www.met.police.uk/history/index.htm History of the Metropolitan Police]
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*[http://www.hants.gov.uk/hchs/ Hampshire Constabulary History Society]
 
*[http://www.hants.gov.uk/hchs/ Hampshire Constabulary History Society]
  
*[http://www.lincs.police.uk/index.asp?locID=55&docID=-1 The History of Lincolnshire Police]
+
*[http://www.lincs.police.uk/index.asp?locID=435&docID=-1 The History of Lincolnshire Police]
  
 
*[http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/about/history/ Nottinghamshire Police History]
 
*[http://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/about/history/ Nottinghamshire Police History]
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*[http://www.surrey.police.uk/aboutus_history_item.asp?artid=1106 Surrey Police History]
 
*[http://www.surrey.police.uk/aboutus_history_item.asp?artid=1106 Surrey Police History]
  
*[http://www.wiltshire.police.uk/history/pre1839.asp History of Wiltshire Police]
+
*[http://www.wiltshire.police.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=55&Itemid=94 History of Wiltshire Police]
  
 
*[http://www.south-wales.police.uk/fe/master.asp?n1=8&n2=253&n3=691 History of South Wales Police Headquarters]
 
*[http://www.south-wales.police.uk/fe/master.asp?n1=8&n2=253&n3=691 History of South Wales Police Headquarters]
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*[http://www.tayside.police.uk/history.php Tayside Police History and Museum]
 
*[http://www.tayside.police.uk/history.php Tayside Police History and Museum]
  
*[http://www.psni.police.uk/index/pg_police_museum.htm Northern Ireland Police Museum]
+
*[http://www.psni.police.uk/index/about-us/police_museum.htm Northern Ireland Police Museum]
  
  
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==Executions-Executioners==
 
==Executions-Executioners==
  
*[http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/hangmen.html The English Hangmen from 1850 to 1964]
+
*[http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/hangmen.html The English Hangmen from 1850 to 1964]
  
 
*[http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/info/manchester-executions.html Capital Punishments Executed at Strangeways, Manchester]
 
*[http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/info/manchester-executions.html Capital Punishments Executed at Strangeways, Manchester]
  
*[http://www.fred.net/jefalvey/execute.html List Of Executions - England 1606 Onward]
+
*[http://members.tripod.com/~Data_Mate/Execut.txt List Of Executions - England 1606 Onward]
  
*[http://uk.geocities.com/becky62655@btinternet.com/ Capital Punishment in the 18th & 19th Centuries]
+
*[http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/index18.html Capital Punishment in the 18th & 19th Centuries]
  
*[http://www.geocities.com/richard.clark32@btinternet.com/common.html Capital Punishment in the Commonwealth]
+
*[http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/common.html Capital Punishment in the Commonwealth]
  
*[http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/abolish.html The Abolition of Hanging in Britain]
+
*[http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/abolish.html The Abolition of Hanging in Britain]
  
*[http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/timeline.html Timeline of Capital Punishment in Britain]
+
*[http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/timeline.html Timeline of Capital Punishment in Britain]
  
*[http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/hanging1.html The History of Judicial Hanging in Britain.]
+
*[http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org/hanging1.html The History of Judicial Hanging in Britain.]
  
*[http://www.metaphor.dk/guillotine/Pages/Guillot.html The Guillotine Headquarters]
+
*[http://www.guillotine.dk/ The Guillotine Headquarters]
  
 
*[http://www.derbycity.com/derby/execute.html Executions in Derbyshire 1556-1905]
 
*[http://www.derbycity.com/derby/execute.html Executions in Derbyshire 1556-1905]
  
*[http://www.metaphor.dk/guillotine/Pages/gibbet.html The Halifax Gibbet]
+
*[http://www.guillotine.dk/Pages/Guillot.html The Halifax Gibbet]
  
  
 
==Some Legal Definitions==
 
==Some Legal Definitions==
  
'''Crown Court''' <br><br>
+
'''Crown Court'''  
 
Crown Courts hear the most serious criminal cases, although all matters will have already had at least one hearing in the Magistrates' Court. The first Crown Courts were established in 1956 in Manchester and Liverpool, and by 1972 Crown Courts had completely replaced the old Assize Courts and also taken over the criminal  funtions of the Quarter Session Courts.
 
Crown Courts hear the most serious criminal cases, although all matters will have already had at least one hearing in the Magistrates' Court. The first Crown Courts were established in 1956 in Manchester and Liverpool, and by 1972 Crown Courts had completely replaced the old Assize Courts and also taken over the criminal  funtions of the Quarter Session Courts.
  
 
+
'''Assize Court'''  
'''Assize Court''' <br><br>
 
 
These heard the most serious criminal cases from the 13th Century  until 1972 (1956 in Manchester and Liverpool) when they were replaced by Crown Courts. In 1834 the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), was opened as the Assize Court for the metropolitan area of Greater London. Until about 1733, most Assize Court records are in Latin.
 
These heard the most serious criminal cases from the 13th Century  until 1972 (1956 in Manchester and Liverpool) when they were replaced by Crown Courts. In 1834 the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), was opened as the Assize Court for the metropolitan area of Greater London. Until about 1733, most Assize Court records are in Latin.
  
 
+
'''Quarter Sessions'''
'''Quarter Sessions'''<br><br>
 
 
The Quarter Sessions were held 4 times a year by Justices of the Peace, once in each legal term i.e during Epiphany, Easter, Midsummer and Michaelmas. They  dealt with criminal cases and some civil matters such as licensing, bastardy, bancruptcy, maintenance and Poor Law cases. For a more complete list see [http://freespace.virgin.net/owston.tj/quartses.htm Quarter Sessions] . They existed from 1361 until 1972, although by this time many of their functions had been taken over by Local Authorities
 
The Quarter Sessions were held 4 times a year by Justices of the Peace, once in each legal term i.e during Epiphany, Easter, Midsummer and Michaelmas. They  dealt with criminal cases and some civil matters such as licensing, bastardy, bancruptcy, maintenance and Poor Law cases. For a more complete list see [http://freespace.virgin.net/owston.tj/quartses.htm Quarter Sessions] . They existed from 1361 until 1972, although by this time many of their functions had been taken over by Local Authorities
  
 +
'''Petty Sessions'''
 +
These existed from the 16th century and were presided over by Justices of the Peace. They dealt with criminal cases that were not sufficiently serious to warrant trial by jury and poor relief and licensing matters
  
'''Petty Sessions''' <br><br>
+
'''District Bancruptcy Courts'''  
These existed from the 16th Century and were presided over by Justices of the Peace. They dealt with criminal cases that were not sufficiently serious to warrant trial by jury and poor relief and licensing matters
 
 
 
 
 
'''District Bancruptcy Courts''' <br><br>
 
 
These existed outside London between 1842 and 1869 when their work was taken over by local county courts.
 
These existed outside London between 1842 and 1869 when their work was taken over by local county courts.
  
 
+
'''London Bankruptcy Court'''  
'''London Bankruptcy Court''' <br><br>
 
 
This existed until 1883 when its business was transferred to the High Court
 
This existed until 1883 when its business was transferred to the High Court
  
 
+
'''Court of Common Pleas'''  
'''Court of Common Pleas''' <br><br>
 
 
These came into existence in the 13th Century and heard common law civil actions such as debt cases. In 1873 they became part of the High Court, known as the  Common Pleas Division and in 1880 became part of the Queen´s Bench Division.
 
These came into existence in the 13th Century and heard common law civil actions such as debt cases. In 1873 they became part of the High Court, known as the  Common Pleas Division and in 1880 became part of the Queen´s Bench Division.
  
 
+
'''County Court'''  
'''County Court''' <br><br>
 
 
Created in 1846 to hear Civil claims. The claims involving the largest amounts of money are heard at The Royal Courts of Justice
 
Created in 1846 to hear Civil claims. The claims involving the largest amounts of money are heard at The Royal Courts of Justice
  
 
+
'''Royal Courts of Justice''' (RCJ)  
'''Royal Courts of Justice''' (RCJ) <br><br>
 
 
This is in The Strand, London and  came into existence in 1882 to accomodate  the Supreme Court of Judicature which itself consisted of the  High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.  
 
This is in The Strand, London and  came into existence in 1882 to accomodate  the Supreme Court of Judicature which itself consisted of the  High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.  
  
 
+
'''The High Court Court of England and Wales'''
'''The High Court Court of England and Wales'''<br><br> 
 
 
The High Court, part of the Royal Courts of Justice in The Strand, London consists of three Divisions dealing with civil disputes: the Queen’s Bench Division, the Chancery Division and the Family Division, ( which until 1970 was known as the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division)
 
The High Court, part of the Royal Courts of Justice in The Strand, London consists of three Divisions dealing with civil disputes: the Queen’s Bench Division, the Chancery Division and the Family Division, ( which until 1970 was known as the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division)
  
 
+
'''Court Leet'''  
'''Court Leet''' <br><br>
 
 
The Court Leet was presided over by the Lord of the Manor, and usually held twice a year. It elected constables, other officers to deal with issues relalting to highways and footpaths , poaching, stray animals drunkards, weights & measures, ale quality bread quality, market trading cattle and swine lookers, water supplies fire prevention and the poor. It also tried petty offences.
 
The Court Leet was presided over by the Lord of the Manor, and usually held twice a year. It elected constables, other officers to deal with issues relalting to highways and footpaths , poaching, stray animals drunkards, weights & measures, ale quality bread quality, market trading cattle and swine lookers, water supplies fire prevention and the poor. It also tried petty offences.
  
 
+
'''House of Lords'''  
'''House of Lords''' <br><br>
 
 
This is the final Court of Appeal for both Criminal and Civil matters.  
 
This is the final Court of Appeal for both Criminal and Civil matters.  
 
  
 
'''Bigamy''' If a marriage takes place legally in the United Kingdom and one or both parties is  already legally married, the second marriage will be bigamous and is void. Bigamy became a criminal offence in 1861 and is currently triable either in the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court.
 
'''Bigamy''' If a marriage takes place legally in the United Kingdom and one or both parties is  already legally married, the second marriage will be bigamous and is void. Bigamy became a criminal offence in 1861 and is currently triable either in the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court.
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'''Mens Rea''' "a guilty mind". To be found guilty of a crime, the prosecution must prove that there is both the '''Actus Reus''' - ie the criminal act was actually committed - and also the Mens Rea- ie that there was intention to behave dishonestly.
 
'''Mens Rea''' "a guilty mind". To be found guilty of a crime, the prosecution must prove that there is both the '''Actus Reus''' - ie the criminal act was actually committed - and also the Mens Rea- ie that there was intention to behave dishonestly.
 
  
  
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*[http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/gaol/system.htm The System of Criminal Prosecution in the 19th Century]
 
*[http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/gaol/system.htm The System of Criminal Prosecution in the 19th Century]
  
*[http://www.btp.police.uk/History%20Society/Publications/History%20Society/Crime%20on%20line/Crime%20on%20the%20Lines.htm Crime on the Lines -Crimes committed on British Railways]
+
*[http://www.ianwaugh.com/crimeindex/ Waugh's List - Historic Serious Crime and Victim Index]
 
 
*[http://www.ianwaugh.com/crimeindex/ UK Historic Serious Crime and Victim Index]
 
 
 
*[http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/magframe.htm The Magna Carta]
 
  
 
*[http://www.justdivorce.co.uk/history_divorce.htm History of Divorce]
 
*[http://www.justdivorce.co.uk/history_divorce.htm History of Divorce]

Latest revision as of 08:50, 8 September 2022



The English Legal System and English Law


Courts


The Inns of Court

Legal Systems in other Jurisdictions


Trials and Court Records


London


Regional


Ecclesiastical Courts


For Licensed Victuallers' Records see separate page -Court Sessions and Victuallers' Licences

For Poor Law Information see separate page -Poor Law and Workhouse Records

For Emigration and Immigration and Convict Transportation see separate page -Emigration and Immigration

Gaols and Prisons


The Police


London Police


Regional Police


Books

Tracing your Police Ancestors: A guide for family historians by Stephen Wade. ISBN 978 184415 878 2


Murder


Executions-Executioners


Some Legal Definitions

Crown Court Crown Courts hear the most serious criminal cases, although all matters will have already had at least one hearing in the Magistrates' Court. The first Crown Courts were established in 1956 in Manchester and Liverpool, and by 1972 Crown Courts had completely replaced the old Assize Courts and also taken over the criminal funtions of the Quarter Session Courts.

Assize Court These heard the most serious criminal cases from the 13th Century until 1972 (1956 in Manchester and Liverpool) when they were replaced by Crown Courts. In 1834 the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), was opened as the Assize Court for the metropolitan area of Greater London. Until about 1733, most Assize Court records are in Latin.

Quarter Sessions The Quarter Sessions were held 4 times a year by Justices of the Peace, once in each legal term i.e during Epiphany, Easter, Midsummer and Michaelmas. They dealt with criminal cases and some civil matters such as licensing, bastardy, bancruptcy, maintenance and Poor Law cases. For a more complete list see Quarter Sessions . They existed from 1361 until 1972, although by this time many of their functions had been taken over by Local Authorities

Petty Sessions These existed from the 16th century and were presided over by Justices of the Peace. They dealt with criminal cases that were not sufficiently serious to warrant trial by jury and poor relief and licensing matters

District Bancruptcy Courts These existed outside London between 1842 and 1869 when their work was taken over by local county courts.

London Bankruptcy Court This existed until 1883 when its business was transferred to the High Court

Court of Common Pleas These came into existence in the 13th Century and heard common law civil actions such as debt cases. In 1873 they became part of the High Court, known as the Common Pleas Division and in 1880 became part of the Queen´s Bench Division.

County Court Created in 1846 to hear Civil claims. The claims involving the largest amounts of money are heard at The Royal Courts of Justice

Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) This is in The Strand, London and came into existence in 1882 to accomodate the Supreme Court of Judicature which itself consisted of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.

The High Court Court of England and Wales The High Court, part of the Royal Courts of Justice in The Strand, London consists of three Divisions dealing with civil disputes: the Queen’s Bench Division, the Chancery Division and the Family Division, ( which until 1970 was known as the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division)

Court Leet The Court Leet was presided over by the Lord of the Manor, and usually held twice a year. It elected constables, other officers to deal with issues relalting to highways and footpaths , poaching, stray animals drunkards, weights & measures, ale quality bread quality, market trading cattle and swine lookers, water supplies fire prevention and the poor. It also tried petty offences.

House of Lords This is the final Court of Appeal for both Criminal and Civil matters.

Bigamy If a marriage takes place legally in the United Kingdom and one or both parties is already legally married, the second marriage will be bigamous and is void. Bigamy became a criminal offence in 1861 and is currently triable either in the Magistrates' Court or the Crown Court.

Covenant a duty to do something in relation to land or a building, such as to keep it in good repair. A restrictive covenant is an obligation not to do something in relation to land or a building -eg an obligation not to run a business from the premises

Easement The entitlement to exercise a right over someone else's land - for example a right of way or a right to light.

Larceny The theft of property. Now called theft following the introduction of the Theft Act in 1968

Tipstaff In England and Wales, an officer of the civil courts whose purpose is to enforce warrants. In Northern Ireland, a court official who sits next to the judge and assists in opening and closing hearings, and assembling legal documents for the judge.

Plaintiff Someone who brings a civil action. Now called a Claimant.

Indictable offence A more serious Criminal offence, triable only by a Judge and Jury

Summary Offence A more minor criminal offence, heard only by magistrates.

Mens Rea "a guilty mind". To be found guilty of a crime, the prosecution must prove that there is both the Actus Reus - ie the criminal act was actually committed - and also the Mens Rea- ie that there was intention to behave dishonestly.


Miscellaneous




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