assizes

British  

/ əˈsaɪzɪz /

plural noun

1. (formerly in England and Wales) the sessions, usually held four times a year, of the principal court in each county, exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction, attended by itinerant judges: replaced in 1971 by crown courts

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Example Sentences

The Ipswich assizes open this week but those at Norwich opened last week, with Sir John presenting his traditional spectacle of royal pomp.

From Time Magazine Archive

Down to the Toulouse assizes last week he hauled the family nurse and governess, Sister Madeleine, a Dominican nun.

From Time Magazine Archive

By the assizes of the high court, the widow, on the death of her husband, took half of the estate for herself, and half in guardianship for her children.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

Till the spring assizes at E——, where he was to be tried, it furnished the staple of conversation, and every fresh bit of evidence, for or against him, was eagerly repeated and canvassed.

From Ghosts and Family Legends A Volume for Christmas by Crowe, Catherine

Bracton says, that in such cases the usual assizes and actions do not lie, and the 'little writ of right close' must be used 'according to the custom of the manor.'

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Vinogradoff, Paul