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#West: Berkshire'''*''', Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire'''*''' | #West: Berkshire'''*''', Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire'''*''' | ||
'''*''' Transferred to Oxford circuit in 1540 | '''*''' Transferred to Oxford circuit in 1540 | ||
**Eventually Middlesex cases were held with the City of London cases at [http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ Old Bailey] | '''**'''Eventually Middlesex cases were held with the City of London cases at [http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ Old Bailey] | ||
Certain areas had special jurisdiction, serving much the same function as the assizes. These areas were the Palatinate of Chester (primarily Cheshire and Flint counties), the Palatinate of Durham (covering Durham County and certain areas beyond), the Palatinate of Lancashire (covering Lancashire County), and London and Middlesex counties (covered by the Central Criminal Court at the [http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ Old Bailey]; also known as the London Sessions and the Middlesex Sessions). Additionally, in Wales during 1542‑1830, the Great Sessions of Wales was an equivalent court. Between 1830‑1971, the Welsh counties were included among the assize circuits. See Leaflet number 26 of the National Archives Information series and Appendix 7 in David Hawkings book ''Criminal Ancestors'' for lists of these circuits. The two vary slightly in their listings. | Certain areas had special jurisdiction, serving much the same function as the assizes. These areas were the Palatinate of Chester (primarily Cheshire and Flint counties), the Palatinate of Durham (covering Durham County and certain areas beyond), the Palatinate of Lancashire (covering Lancashire County), and London and Middlesex counties (covered by the Central Criminal Court at the [http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/ Old Bailey]; also known as the London Sessions and the Middlesex Sessions). Additionally, in Wales during 1542‑1830, the Great Sessions of Wales was an equivalent court. Between 1830‑1971, the Welsh counties were included among the assize circuits. See Leaflet number 26 of the National Archives Information series and Appendix 7 in David Hawkings book ''Criminal Ancestors'' for lists of these circuits. The two vary slightly in their listings. | ||
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The assize was held twice a year in the “rural” circuits, during Lent and Summer. By the mid-nineteenth century, as the criminal caseload grew, a Winter court was sometimes added. The Home “circuit” held court during the Winter. Judges would be involved in their court cases every winter, then many would travel to the other circuits during Lent and Summer. These courts would take place in towns with a jail known as "gaol" within the county. The circuit court could last up to 5 weeks depending on the number of cases being heard. | The assize was held twice a year in the “rural” circuits, during Lent and Summer. By the mid-nineteenth century, as the criminal caseload grew, a Winter court was sometimes added. The Home “circuit” held court during the Winter. Judges would be involved in their court cases every winter, then many would travel to the other circuits during Lent and Summer. These courts would take place in towns with a jail known as "gaol" within the county. The circuit court could last up to 5 weeks depending on the number of cases being heard. | ||
A few cases each year were referred from the outlying circuit to the Home courts. Most of the records are in Latin until 1733, and they are often abbreviated. | A few cases each year were referred from the outlying circuit to the Home courts. Most of the records are in Latin until 1733, and they are often abbreviated. | ||
=== Content === | === Content === | ||
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*'''Gaol Books, Crown Minute Books and Agenda Books--''' list the names of the prisoners and record in outline form the cases heard or yet to be heard. They are annotated with the plea, verdict and sentence. | *'''Gaol Books, Crown Minute Books and Agenda Books--''' list the names of the prisoners and record in outline form the cases heard or yet to be heard. They are annotated with the plea, verdict and sentence. | ||
*'''Order Books--''' list the orders made by the judges in local disputes, frequently referring cases to the arbitration of local magistrates. Some are found among the Miscellaneous Books. | *'''Order Books--''' list the orders made by the judges in local disputes, frequently referring cases to the arbitration of local magistrates. Some are found among the Miscellaneous Books. | ||
*'''Miscellaneous Books--''' record the proceedings under wits of nisi prius (see explanation later). The writs were usually returned to the central courts. | *'''Miscellaneous Books--''' record the proceedings under wits of nisi prius (see explanation later). The writs were usually returned to the central courts. | ||
*'''Assize Vouches'''--These records includes costs for maintaining a criminal, organizing the court, etc. submitted by the sheriff. | |||
*'''Treasury Warrant'''--Record of sums paid to sheriffs | |||
*'''Criminal Biographies--'''London lives provides some insights on condemned individuals through two publications,[http://www.londonlives.org/static/OA.jsp ''"Biographies of Executied Criminals, 1672-1772" ''and ''"The Ordinary's Accounts"''] | |||
*'''Appeal Registers'''--Convictions could be appealed and some registers of these are available at the National Archives. [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/research-guides/criminal-courts-from-1972.htm#19477 The archives provides this additional information on appeals]. | |||
=== Availability === | === Availability === | ||