The clerk of assize, judges-marshall, and cryer being the true manner and form of the proceedings at the assizes and generall goale-delivery, both in the Crown Court, and Nisi Prius Court, and the right wayes of entering of all pleas, verdicts, judgments, and orders in either of the said courts. To which is added an ancient brief tract of the common lawes of England, written in Latine. / By T.W.

Author: T. W.1660

THE CLERK OF ASSIZE, JUDGES-MARSHALL, AND CRYER: BEING The true Manner and Form of the Proceedings at the Assizes and Generall Goale-Delivery, both in the Crown Court, and Nisi Prius Court, AND The Right wayes of entering of all Pleas, Verdicts, Judgments, and Orders in either of the said Courts. By T. W. To which is Added An ancient Brief Tract of the Common Lawes of ENGLAND, written in Latine,

LONDON, Printed for Timothy Twyford, and are to be sold at his Shop within the Inner Temple Gate, 1660.

[Page]

TO THE READER.

THE Government of this Nation being now again happily brought into its ancient and right Course, and that the Proceedings in Courts of Justice to be in the Kings name, and in Latine, and Court-hand (the good old way.) I have (for the Information and Direction of such Officers as are to be imployed [Page] for the dispatch of the businesses at the Assizes, and were not well acquainted with the wayes and manner of Proceedings there, in the time of the late King) set forth and published this small Manuel, wherein not onely the Clerk of Assize, and other Associates may be fully furnished with instructions, to discharge the Duties of the severall places: But the Marshalls, Cryers, and other the Judges Officers may find all such Oaths and Words as are by them to be administred, & used, both in the Crown court, and Nisi Prius Court. To which I have also added the [Page] way and manner of entring all Orders, Pleas, Verdicts, and Judgments in either of the said Courts: And I doubt not but it will give good satisfaction to such persons as have occasion to use such Instructions, and be offensive to none,

Farewell.

[Page]

[Page 1]

The Clerk of the Assizes, Judges, and Marshalls, and Cryers directions: Being The manner and form of Proceedings at the Assizes and generall Goale-Delivery, holden by his Majesties Justices according to the Law and custome of ENGLAND.

FIRST, when the Court is set, the Cryer must make three Proclamations.

Then the Clerk of Assize must cause him to say as followeth,

Viz.

My Lords, the Kings Justice straightly charge and command all manner of persons to keep silence, and hear the Kings Majesties Commissions openly read, upon pain of imprisonment.

[Page 2]

Then must the Clark of the Assizes read.

1 Patent of Assize.
2 The Patent of Association
3 The Writ of Admittance.
4 The Writ Si non omnes.

And then must say, God save the King.

Essoines.Then the Cryer must make one Proclamation, and say,

If any man will be essoined in Assize of Novel disseisin, Assize of Mortdauncester, Certificate of Assize, meis ultrum, or Attaint, let him come forth and he shall be heard.

Sheriffs returns of the summons of Assize.Then the Cryer must make another Proclamation, and say,

Sheriff of the County of L. return the Precepts and Writs of Assize, and Nisi prius to thee directed and delivered, upon pain and perill, &c.

Then the Cryer must make another Proclamation, and say,

All manner of Persons that have any Writs of Assize, or Records of Nisi prius to be put into the Court, put them in forthwith, or none shall be received.

Then must the Cryer make another Proclamation, and say,

[Page 3]

All Justices of the Peace of our Soveraign Lord the King within the County of L. answer to your names at the first call, The forme of calling the Justices and other Officers. upon pain and perill that may fall thereon.

Then the Clerk of the Assize must name them as they are returned in the Callender, and the Cryer must call them.

When they are called, then must the Cryer say, all Coroners of our Soveraign Lord the King, within the County of L. answer to your names as you shall be called every man at the first call, upon pain and perill that shall fall thereon.

Then they must be called as they are returned in the Callender.

When they are called, then must be called all Stewards of Liberties of our Soveraign Lord the King, &c. by th ir names as they are returned.

After must be called the chief Constables as they are returned, and after them the Bailiffs of the Hundreds as they are returned.

Giving unto them their stiles in the first place as all Stewards, &c. And when they are done, all chief Constables, [Page 4] &c. And when they are done, then all Bayliffs of Hundreds, &c.

Then must the Cryer make a Proclamation, and say,

My Lords, the Kings Justices straightly charge and command all manner of persons to keep silence, and hear the Kings Majesties Commissions of Oyer and Terminer, and generall Goal-delivery to be openly read, upon pain of imprisonment.

Then must the Clerk of the Assizes read the Commissions of Oyer and Terminer, and generall Goal-delivery, that done, say, God save the King.

Then must the Cryer make a Proclamation, and say,

Calling for return of Inquisitions.All Justices of Peace, Coroners, Stewards of Leets and Liberties, and other Officers that have taken any Inquisitions, Indictments, or Recognizances, whereby you have let any man to bayle, put in your Records thereof forthwith, that my Lords, the Kings Justices may proceed.

Then must the Cryer make another Proclamation, and say,

Form of calling the grand Jury.You good men that be impannelled to enquire for our Soveraign Lord the [Page 5] King, for the body of the County of L. answer to your names every man at the first call, upon pain and peril that shall fall thereon.

Then the grand Jury must be called by name, and when they have appeared, they must be sworn by the Marshall.

The fore-man must lay his hand on the Book, and then the Marshall gives the oath as followeth.

You as fore-man of this Inquest for the body of this County of L. you shall diligently inquire, The oath of the grand Jury. and a true presentment make of all such matters and things as shall be given you in charge: the Kings Majesties Councell, your fellowes, and your own you shall keep secret, you shall present no man for envy, hatred, or malice, neither shall you leave any man unpresented for love, fear, favour, or affection, or hope of reward, but you shall present things truly as they come to your knowledge, according to the best of your understanding, so God help you.

The rest of the grand Jury are sworn as followeth.

The same oath which your fore-man [Page 6] hath taken on his part, you and every of you on your behalf, shall well and truly observe and keep, so help you God.

When the grand Jury is sworn, the Cryer must make Proclamation, and say,

Charge giving.My Lords the Kings Justices, straightly charge and command all persons to keep silence whilst the charge is in giving to the grand Jury, upon pain of imprisonment

When the charge is given, the Cryer must make a Proclamation, and say,

All manner of persons that have any Bills of Indictment to put unto the great Inquest, put them into the Court first, that my Lords the Kings Justices may peruse them, or else they shall not be received.

Calling of Prosecutors.Then must be called the parties that are bound to prosecute by their Recognizances put in by the Justices, that they may get their Bills made against the Prisoners, and be sworn unto them by the Cryer, and sent to the grand Jury to give Evidence.

All this for the most part is finished [Page 7] the first day in the forenoon, And then the Court rising.

The Clerk of the Goal fileth up his Recognizances delivered in Court, Filing of the Recognizances. such as are to prosecute against offendors upon one file, and such as are for appearance of offendors called bailes upon another file, and all examinations taken before Justices of Peace upon a third file, and taketh a little Note or Callender of them for the ready finding of them out as shall happen.

When the Court fitteth in the afternoon, they send for the grand Jury, who when they appear, the Clerk of Assize calleth them by their names, and demandeth of them if they be agreed of any Bills, if they say yea, the Clerk of the Assize bids them present them to the Court, and upon the delivery of them, he saith,

You are content the Court shall amend forme, and false Latine, altering matter of no substance in those Bills which you have found.

The grand Jury say yea, and so they go together again.

Then doth the Clerk of the Assize file up the Bills which are found upon Filing the Bills. [Page 8] the file with the Callender and Precept for summoning of the Assize formerly returned by the Sheriff, and that being orderly done, and the Jailor having brought his Prisoners to the Hall,

The Cryer maketh Proclamation, and saith,

My Lords the Kings Justices straightly charge and command all persons to keep silence, for now they will proceed upon the Pleas of the Crown to the arraignment of Prisoners upon life and death, and that all persons that have any evidence to give against any of the Prisoners, draw near and give your attendance upon forfeiting your Recognizances.

Then doth the Clerk of the Assize begin with his first inditement upon the file in order, and biddeth the Jailor set the Prisoner named in that Indictment to the Bar; If he be let to baile, and not in the Goal, then the Clerk causeth the Cryer to call him on this manner,

Calling of bailes. A. B. come forth, save thee and thy baile, or else thou forfeitest thy Recognizance.

If he appear not, then call the sureties on this manner,

[Page 9]

J. W. and T. S. with their additions as they are written, bring forth A. B. whom you undertook to have here this day, or else you forfeit your Recognizance.

If he appears not, then the Clerk of the Assizes passeth by that Indictment, and calleth to the Goaler to set forth the Prisoner named in the next Indictment, and when he is at the Bar, the Clerk of the Assizes saith unto him as followeth.

Thou art here indicted by the name of J. S. for that thou, &c. and so read all the Indictment in English, and then ask him, what saiest thou, art thou guilty of this murder, or what it is for whereof thou stands indicted, or not guilty, if he saith not guilty, Then the Clerk of the Assizes must ask him, how wilt thou be tryed, If he say by God and the Country. Then must the Clerk of Assize say God send thee a good deliverance and write over his head in the Indictment Po. Se. So proceed to the next untill so many are arraigned as will serve for a petty Jury to passe upon.

If any Prisoner [...] arraignment confess hi [...] [...] must be written Confession. [Page 10] over his head in the Indictment, this (Cogn.) and so he is set by till the time of giving Judgment.

If any Prisoner upon his Arraignment doth refuse to be tryed by his Country, and yet plead non cul, then must be written over his head in the Indictment these words. Stat mutus, and he must be set by till Judgment giving, unless he plead to his Country in the interim.

When enough of Prisoners are arraigned to be tryed by a petty Jury then must the Clerk of Assize call to the Sheriff for a pannell of Jurors to try the Prisoners, and then know of the Judge how many he will have tryed by that Jury.

Calling of the Jury of life and death.Then he must call the Jury thus, you good men that be impannelled to inquire between our Soveraign Lord the King, & the Prisoners at the Bar answer to your names every man at the first call, upon pain and perill that shall fall thereon.

When the Jury hath appeared, then must the Clerk of the Assize call the Prisoners to the Bar that shall be tryed by the Jury, every man by his name, and then say unto them,

Challenge allowed to the Prisoners.These good men that were last called, and have here appeared, are those that [Page 11] shall passe between our Soveraign Lord the King, and you upon your lives and your deaths, that therefore you or any of you will challenge them, or any of them; you may challenge them as they come to the Book to be sworn, before they be sworn, and you shall be heard.

Then must the Cryer make a Proclamation, and say,

If any man can inform my Lords the Kings Justices, the Kings Serjeant, Information for the King against the Prisoners. or the Kings Attorny, or this Inquest to be taken between our Soveraign Lord the King, and the Prisoners at the Bar of any Treason, Murder, Felony, or other Misdemeanor committed or done by the Prisoners at the Bar, or any of them, let them come forth and they shall be heard, the Prisoners stand at the Bar upon their deliverance.

Then must the Clerk of Assize call the Jury to be sworn every man severally, Note that every Juror must lay his hand on the Book and look towards the Prisoners. Oath of the Jury of life and death. and the Marshall must swear them all severally on this manner.

You shall well and truly try, and true deliverance make between our Soveraign Lord the King, and the Prisoners at the Bar, whom you shall have in charge according to [Page 12] your Evidence, so help you God.

Counting of the Iury.When they are all sworn, the Clerk of Assize must cause the Cryer to count them as he reads their names, and that done, he must ask them whether they be all sworn or not, if they say yea,

Then they must divide themselves at the Bar, some on one side, some on the other.

Then the Clerk of the Assizes must call the Prisoner named in the first Indictment upon the file, as he hath pleaded in order to the Bar, and bid him hold up his hand, and then say to the Jury,

Look upon the Prisoner you that be sworn, and hearken to his cause.

Charge of the Iury of life and death.You shall understand that he stands indited by the name of, &c. as in the Indictment, for that he, &c. and read the Indictment as he did upon the arraignment, and that done, the Clerk of the Assizes must immediately say, upon this Indictment he hath been arraigned, upon his arraignment, he hath pleaded not guilty, and for his tryall hath put himself upon God and the Country, which Country are you, so that your charge is to enquire whether he be guilty of this Felony whereof he stands indicted, or [Page 13] not guilty, if you find him guilty, you shall enquire what Lands, Tenements, Goods, and Chattels he had at the time of the Felony committed, or at any time sithence: if you find him not guilty, then shall you enquire if he did flye for it or not, if you find that he did flye for it, then you shall enquire what Goods or Chattels he had at the time when he did flye for it, or at any time sithence; if you find him not guilty, nor that he flye for it, say so and no more, and hear your Evidence.

Then must the Clerk of Assize direct the Cryer to call the witnesses as they be subscribed to the Indictment. Calling of witnesses.

That done, the Judge heareth the witnesses for the King upon oath, and for the Prisoner without oath, and so they proceed to the next Prisoner, as the Indictments are filed in order, with this difference onely.

When the Clerk of Assize hath read over the Indictment as before, he onely saith as followeth, viz.

Upon this Indictment he hath been arraigned, upon his arraignment he hath pleaded not guilty, and for his tryall he hath put himself upon God and his [Page 14] Country, which Country you are, so that your charge is to enquire whether he be guilty of this Felony whereof he stands indicted, or not guilty, and further to inquire of him as you had in charge to inquire of the first Prisoner, and hear your Evidence.

And then call the witnesses upon that cause as they are subscribed to the Indictment.

After they are heard then if the Prisoner desires that any witnesses be heard for him, they must be called also, but they must speak without oath.

When that Prisoner hath done, then they proceed to the next, and so one after another, till the Jury be fully charged.

Reading of Proclamations.In the mean time as the Prisoners are upon their severall tryalls, the Clerk that keepeth the Goale Book, looketh out every examination of every Prisoner as his cause is in hearing, and if it be Evidence for the King, he readeth it to the Jury.

Bill of causes.Also he maketh ready a Note of the Juries names, and subscribeth the Prisoners names, and their offences as they stand charged, withall underneath the [Page 15] same, and when the Jury is ready to go from the Bar, he delivereth it unto them for their better direction and help of their memory to know who they have in charge.

When the Jury is gone from the Bar, Sending for the grand Jury. if there be not Indictments found enough to charge another Jury, the Court doth send to the grand Jury to bring in some more Bills if they are ready, and in the mean time, or some other time when the Court is at leisure.

The Clerk of the Goal Book calleth the chief Constables to deliver in their Presentments. Taking the Constables Presentments.

Which done, the Court taketh the appearance of the grand Jury as aforesaid, and proceedeth to the arraignment of Prisoners and tryalls of them, as before is expressed untill all be done.

When the Jury of life and death are agreed, Taking of the Verdict of the Jury of life and death. and come to the Court to give their Verdict. The Clerk of Assize must first call them by name, and ask them if they be agreed of their Verdict, and who shall say for them, and call the first Prisoner to the Bar, and bid him hold up his hand.

[Page 16]

Then say to the Jury, look upon the Prisoner you that be sworn, what say you, is he guilty of the Felony whereof he stands indicted, or not guilty,

If they say guilty.

Then ask what Lands, or Tenements, Goods, or Chattels had he at the time of the Felony committed, or at any time sithence.

If they find any, they must be Recorded: but their common answer is, none to our knowledge.

If the Jury say, not guilty.

Then ask if he did flye for it or not, if they find a flight, it must be Recorded, but their common answer is, not to our knowledge.

And so must the Clerk of Assize proceed to every Prisoner particularly, which the Jury hath in charge, writing after the words (Po. se.) over the severall names of the Prisoners, Cul. or non cul. as the Verdict is, and then he must say to the Jury, hearken to your Verdict as the Court recordeth it, and then he repeateth it in this manner.

You say A.B. is guilty of the Felony whereof he stands indicted.

[Page 17]

That C. D. is not guilty, and so of the rest.

And then concludeth, and so you say all,

And bid them put in their Bill of causes.

Memorand. Tryall of Riotors and Trespassers. that all Indictments upon Riots, Trespasses, and other misdemeanors under the degree of Felony, the parties whereunto are either in Prison, or bound to appear by Recognizance; upon their appearance, they must be tryed after the Felons.

And those that are found guilty, the Judge imposeth a Fine upon them, and other punishment as he findeth the nature of the offence.

After all the Indictments preferred to the grand Jury be returned into the Court, or before if leisure permit, Delivering of Prisoners by Proclamation. the Clerk of the Goal calleth over all his bailes that are not formerly called upon their arraignments, there being no Bills preferred against them, and upon their appearance, he acquainteth the Judge with who committed them, and the reason thereof, as it is expressed in the Recognizance, and how no man cometh against them, and likewise he peruseth the Goale Prisoners, and Baile Prisoners, [Page 18] against whom the Bills of Indictment are returned ignoramus, and against whom there are no Indictments preferred, and informeth the Judge of their cases, and if no man cometh against them during the Assizes, they are delivered by Proclamation, as followeth.

Proclamation.If any man can inform my Lords the Kings Justices, the Kings Serjeant, or the Kings Attorny, of any Treason, Murder, Felony, or any other misdemeanor committed or done by A. B. &c. and name them all, or any of them now Prisoners at the Bar, let him come forth, and he shall be heard, the Prisoners stand upon their deliverance.

Forme of keeping the Goale Book.Note that the Clerk that keepeth the Goal Book in the beginning of the Assizes setteth down in the Book first a note of the day when the Assizes is holden, and the Judges name and Sheriffs name in a short compendious manner used for that purpose, ut patet in libro.

Next unto that he setteth down the Prisoners names as they are returned by the Sheriff in the Calender, beginning with the reprives formerly left in the Goale, and then the rest in order, leaving a reasonable distance betwixt every [Page 19] name, and so also of all bailes, for which he hath Recognizance returned in by the Justices.

And when any Indictment is found against any Prisoner, and he arraigned thereupon: he setteth down briefly his offence, at the end of his name, as (for a Mare) or the like, and if the Prisoner put himself upon the Country, then be writeth over his name (Po. Se.) And if he will not be tryed by the Country, then he writeth over his name Stat. mutus, and if the Prisoner continue obstinate, and will not be tryed, then he adpeth thereto (Pen. fort & Dur.) And if if the Prisoner confesse the fact upon his arraignment, then he writeth over his name (Cogn.) And when a Prisoner is tryed and found guilty, and had no goods, he addeth unto the former words, Po. se. cul. ca. nul. And if the prisoner be found not guilty, nor that he did flie, then he addeth to the former words, Po se. non cul. nec r. And if the Prisoner be found guilty of pettie Larceny, then he writeth to the former words (Po. se. cul. de parva felon va. xd. flag.) And if the Prisoner be found guilty of a Felony, wherein he may have benefit of Clergy, [Page 20] and the Prisoner demand the same and can read, then he addeth to the former words Po. se. cul. ca. nul. pe. li. le. cre. And if the Prisoner cannot read when his Book is allowed him, then he addeth to the words, Pe. li. sed not legit Jo. sus. but if the offence whereof the Prisoner is found guilty, be such as the benefit of Clergy cannot be allowed by Law, then he writeth unto the former words, Po. se. cul. ca. nul. Ss. And against such Prisoners as ignoramus is found upon the Bill preferred against them, he writeth in the Margent behind their names severally (Ign.) And the offence severally before their names (as for a Gelding) and the like, and over his head (Del.) and over the names of such Prisoners as there are nothing against, he writeth (Del.) and over such names as do not appear upon their Recognizance, being called, he writeth (defalt.) And after such names as are to be sent to the house of Correction, he writeth (to be sent to the House of Correction) or r. Dom. Correctionis, for the better explanation hereof, I have written this small form underneath, if the Prisoner be twice indicted, then the [Page 21] two offences after the name, and the figure of 2 behind it.

Po. se. cul. ca. nul. Ss. 2 Ss. md.

Johes Doo for a Mare, for Lynnens.

Po. se. cul. ca. nul. pe. li. le. cre. Md.

Ricus Roo for Heifers and Sheep.

Po. se. cul. ca. nul. flag.

Thomas Denn for Lynnens the value of ten pence.

Po. se. non. cul. nec. r.

Willus Fenn for six Oxen, 3 Md. two Weathers, for a Hog. Ign.

Adamus del Pye for Burglary.

Note that where he beginneth to enter his Bailes, he writeth (B) in the Margent.

defalt

Fransciscus Mye. B.

Stat. mut. pen. fort. & dur.

Joes Trimtram for murder.

Po. se. cul. ca. nul. pe. li. sed non legit. Jo. Sus. Md.

Nichus Skillington for eight Ewes. Sus. md.

Some other formes there be, which as they arise are set down after the natures of the offences: The Goal Book is full of examples, and therfore I omit them here.

Also all orders made by the Court for continuance of any man in Prison, or sending any to the house of Correction, [Page 22] all Fines set upon any Prisoner for Trespasse, all Defaults upon Recognizance to answer, all orders for Attachments, and other Warrants, and all submissions of Recusants are usually recorded in the Goale Book, and also Writs of good behaviour.

Callender.Note also, that he that keepeth the Goal Book, having made perfect his Callender, as the Verdicts are given, he doth draw out into a sheet of Paper in the first place the names of such as are to suffer death under one title, the names of such as are to have benefit of Clergy under another title, such as are guilty of pettie Larcenie under another title such as are found not guilty under another title, and such as are to be delivered by Proclamation, against whom there is nothing in Court under the last title.

And under the first title such as stand mute, if any be, by themselves, and in another place, such as are to be sent to the house of Correction.

That Callender being made perfect and delivered to the Judge, and he ready to give Judgment, the Clerk of Assize causeth the Goaler to set all the Prisoners found guilty above [Page 23] pettie Larceny, to the Bar, and saith unto them thus,

You do remember that before this time you have been severally indicted for severall Felonies, The form of calling the Prisoners to judgment. and some of you for Murder by you done and committed; upon your Indictments, you have been arraigned, and have severally pleaded not guilty; and for your tryalls you have severally put your selves upon God and the Country, which Country hath found you guilty, what can you now say for your selves, why according to Law you should not have Judgment to suffer death, and then ask them by name severally.

What saiest thou A. B. &c.

Then if he claim his Clergy, Clergy. and may have it by Law, the Ordinary must be called to shew him the Book, and when he hath shewed it to him, the Clerk of Assize must say, legit ut clericus vel non.

If the Ordinary say legit, then must the Prisoner be burned in the hand: but if the Ordinary saith non legit, the Prisoner must be executed.

When all have had benefit of Clergy, which may have it by Law; then doth [Page 24] the Judge (after an exhortation made to the Prisoners that are to suffer death) give Judgment, and such Prisoners against whom no man prosecuteth, and against whom ignoramus is found, being proclaimed as aforesaid, the Goaler is commanded to take away his Goal.

Then doth the Court send for the Grand Jury; but you must note by the way that whilest the Court is in trying the Prisoners as aforesaid, some one of the Clerks doth take a note of all the Recusants presented by Constables out of their presentements, And doth make them into a bill of Indictment in forme of Law; and doth send both it and the presentments to the Grand Jury, and now, if not afore at their coming in they deliver the same bill together with their presentments of other greivances, and having so done they are usually discharged, except extraordinarie busines alter it.

Proclaiming of Recusants.If the Indictment against the Recusants be found, then doth the Clerk of Assize cause the Crier to make a proclamation, and then Reading the names and the Crier repeating them with their additions as they are in the indictment, he [Page 25] concludes after the last name thus, Being indicted at these Assizes for not coming to the Church by the space of one moneth (or more as it is laid in the Indictment) yeild your bodies to the Sheriff of this County, so that he may have the same before the Kings Majesties Justices at the next Assizes, and generall Goal-delivery to be holden for this County, or else you, and every of you shall be convicted of Recusancy, according to the forme of the Statute in that case made and provided.

This being done, the Judge having heard some Greivances as are complained of unto him concerning misdemeanors, and the like.

The Cryer maketh three Proclamations to adjurne the Assizes.

And then saith, Adjurning of the Assizes. All manner of Persons that have here appeared before my Lords the Kings Justices, at these Assizes and generall Goal-delivery may now depart in Gods peace, and the Kings, and keep your day here upon a new Summons, and God save the King, and so the Court riseth.

And note that if the Nisi prius are not ended, they are adjurned over [Page 26] to that Court, and when they have done they make this generall adjurnment.

Note also that at every rising of the Court it is adjorned over by Proclamation to such an houre in the afternoon, or in the morning untill the Assizes be ended.

Note that where it is said, the Cryer must say such and such words, if he be not expert himself, the Clerk of Assize must direct him.

Note also that all such persons against whom the Sheriff returneth Cepi Corpus upon any Writ of Assizes delivered unto him, ought to be called in Court in convenient time, if they appear not otherwise.

Note also, that where it is said the Clerk of Assize must do such and such things, they are usually done by the Associate for that side.

Note also, that in calling the Justices of Peace, Coroners, Stewards of Liberties, chief Constables, and Bayliffs of Hundreds, and grand Juries, and other Juries, their appearances are marked with (■) and their defaults left blanck in the Margent, except the Judge set a [Page 27] Fine upon any of them for not appearing, then that is set down in the Margent.

Note that such Clerks as make Indictments are in Action as long as occasion requireth about them, and Writs of Restitution, or to remove Prisoners, &c. but their imployment is of that nature, that it cannot be here expressed.

Your Clerks imployment concerning making Subpoena's, and taking appearances upon Presentments. I suppose you sufficiently know, and so have I done on the Goale side: there are other observations which practise must make manifest.

The Proceedings on the Nisi Prius.

WHen the Court is set and Records and Writs put into the Court fit for tryall: the Cryer must make a Proclamation, and the Clerk must direct him to say,

You good men of the Nisi prius summoned to appear here this day, Calling the Jury. betwixt A B. Plaintiff, and C. D. Defendant, answer to your names, every man at [Page 28] the first call, and save your Issues.

Then must they be called by name with this conclusion, thou loosest a mark in issues to every one of them. And if a full Jury do not appear, then call the defaults without addition, and then if twelve do not appear, say Vous avis nul inquest.

Calling the Defendant.Then call the Defendant C. D. come forth or this Inquest shall be taken in thy default, this must be done thrice, if the Defendant appear not, then must the Clerk write on the back of the Pannell, per defalt.

Challenge.Then the Clerk must say, Plaintiffs garde vre. Challenge, and so call the Jury to the Book to be sworn; and as they come to the Book the Marshall must swear them, unlesse the Plaintiff challenge any of them, which if he doth, they must stand by till the rest be sworn to eleven more in ranck as they appear, and then the Clerk must ask the Plaintiff why he challengeth such a man.

Then the Plaintiff shewing his cause, if it be sufficient, the verity shall be tryed by two other sworn upon the same Jury, if they find the cause true, then he shall be spared, otherwise he shall be sworn.

If he be spared, and there do not appear [Page 29] enough on the principall Pannell to make a full Jury, then the Plaintiff must pray in tales de Circumstantibus.

Which being granted by the Judge. Tales.

The Sheriff must return some names for that purpose, such as are then within view of the Court.

And then the Clerk must direct the Cryer to call them on this manner.

You good men of the Tales newly returned according to the form of the Statute, answer to your names every man at the first call, and save your Issues, or upon pain and peril, &c.

Then they appearing must be sworn with the other Jurors.

You shall well and truly try the Issue of this Nisi prius, between the parties, Their oath. according to your Evidence, so help you God.

And when they are sworn they must be counted, and asked if they be all sworn, and bid stand together and hear your charge.

Then must the Associate for that side read the Record, Charge of the Jury on the Nisi prius. and charge the Jury as the Record is, what they are to inquire, [Page 30] the certainty cannot be here expressed.

Then do the Councell on both sides open the Cause one after another, the Plaintiffs Councell first, if the proofe lye on his side, otherwise the Defendants, and produce such witnesses as do prove such matters as they alleadge, &c.

In the interim doth the Clerk file the Writ, Pannell, and Record together.

Copy of the Issue.And maketh a Copy of the Juries names, and the Issue they are to try, and when the Councell have done, he delivereth it to the Jury; and a Bayliff being sworn to keep them till they be agreed, without meat, drink &c. they depart from the Bar, and when they are agreed, they return to give their Verdict.

Taking the Verdict.Then doth the Clerk call them by their names, and ask them if they be agreed of their Verdict, and who shall say for them.

Then must the party be called thrice.

A. B. come forth, or else thou loosest thy Writ of Nisi prius.

If he appear not, then the Defendant must pay the Jury, and the fees of the Court, and have the nonsuit recorded.

[Page 31]

But if the Plaintiff appear, then the Clerk asketh the Jury.

What say you, do you find for the Plaintiff, or for the Defendant, and what costs and damages according as the cause is, and so be entreth it on the back of the Pannell, and repeats it to the Jury.

Note that in all causes that come by Nisi prius, betwixt party and party, if the Jury appear not full, the Prosecutor of the Record may have a Tales if he pray it.

Note also, that if the Defendant appear not when he is called, he looseth the benefit of his challenge to the Jurors, but if he appear he may challenge them.

And many other things may happen in execution of this businesse which time and observation will make perfect.

In the mean time you must take these as the Heads.

[Page 32]

The Terme business.

Returning of Postea's.FIrst the returning of all the Postea's which must be done on the backside of the Records, tryed at the Assizes, which must be done as they are called for by the Attornies, for such as are agreed will not he called for at all.

Out of Proces.The putting of all such persons out of Proces as have appeared at the Assizes, and are discharged, and entring of them in a Book for that purpose. Into Proces.

The putting of all such persons into Proces as are newly presented by the grand Juries, and chief Constables, at the last Assizes, and entring them into the Book of Proces.

Making of Proces.The writing over the Proces again for every Shire, and delivering of them to the severall Sheriffs to be executed.

Certifying of Convicts and Inquisitions.The certifying of the Convictions of all such as were burned in the hands throughout the whole Circuit, and also all Inquisitions of Fe lo de se, per infortunium & ex visitatione Dei, returned by the Coroners this last Circuit into the Crown Office.

[Page 33]

The drawing up, Speciall Verdicts. and entring of all speciall Verdicts of the last Circuit, and others behind, if any be.

The certifying of the conviction of all the Recusants convicted at these Assizes into the Exchequer in Easter Tearm. Convictions of Recusants.

The making of a little short Certificate to the Lord Keeper, Making Certificates. of all the notorious facts in the Circuit when the Judges shall call for it according to the truth of the proceedings.

The making of the great Estreate in Michaelmas Tearm, Generall Estreate. of all forfeitures of Justices of Peace, Coroners, Stewards of Liberties, cheif Constables, Bayliffs of Hundreds, and grand Juries for their not appearance for the whole year, and of all convicted Recusants at Summer Assizes, the Amerciaments upon all persons for Nusances and Trespasses, and the Issues returned by the Sheriff upon the Proces of the Assizes for the whole preceding year, whereupon no appearance hath been made; and the returning of the same into the Exchequer. The forms and Copies of which Estreats from time to time returned, are extant among other Records of the Office.

[Page 34]

Traverses.The drawing up of Traverses in form of pleading for all such as have taken order for the same at the Assizes, or shall take order in Terme time, to any Indictments of Trespasse, Riots, Conversion, Depopulation, decay of High-wayes and Bridges, or the like, and the entring of them upon the Traverse Roll, and making out of Venire facias upon the same Traverses.

Proces against Felons.The putting of all such as are indicted of Felony, and are at large into Proces.

Against indicted Trespassors.The putting of all such as are indicted for Riots, and other Trespasses into Proces.

Note that the first Proces in Felony is a Capias returnable the next Assizes, and after that an Exigent.

Proces in Felony and Trespasse.Note also, that the first Proces in Trespasse is a Venire facias returnable at the next Assizes, and after that, a Capias or Distringas, as the Sheriff shall return the party sufficient or insufficient.

And if a Capias, then ca. alia plura, and exigent, one going forth when the other is returned, unlesse the party appear.

And if a Distringas, then a Distresse [Page 25] infinite untill the party appeare.

The forme of all which Proces are extant in the Office.

Some other occasions, as returning of Cerciorari's into the Crown Office to remove Indictments, happen now and then, which a skilfull Clerk will easily performe.

Note in tryalls of Prisoners if any woman be convicted of Felony, Woman Felons being with child. she shall be asked what she can say for her self, why she should not suffer death according to the Law.

If she say she is with Child,

Then must the Sheriff return a Jury of women, who must be sworn, and charged to try whether the Prisoner be quick with child or not, and then they take the Prisoner and go together, and when they return, to give their Verdict, if they say she is quick with child, the execution of that Prisoner is respited til she be delivered, but if the Jury say she is not with quick child, then she shall be executed.

The forme of the Oath.

You as fore-matron of this Jury, shall swear that you shall search and try the [Page 36] Prisoner at the Bar, whether she be with quick child, and thereof a true Verdict shall return, so God help you.

The same oath your fore-matron hath taken, on her part you shall also take and observe, so God help you.

The Verdict.

In Dower. Inquiratur si vir obierit sezitus de tenementis praedictis in dominico suo ut de feodo, aut de feodo talliato. Et si ita invenirint tunc quantum tenementa illa valent per annum in omnibus exitibus ultra reprisces juxta vera valore eorundem & quantum tempus dilabitur a tempore mortis praedicti viri. Et quae Dampna, petens sustinet tam occasione detentionis datae quam premisis.

Quare impedit.Enquire if the Church be full or not, if it be full, at whose presentation; and if six months be past since the last avoidance, and of what value it is by the year, and Costs and Damages.

En Dower nota.The Jury finding the dying Seised, they must assesse Costs and Damages, but if they find the Husband was Seised, but did not dye so, then no Costs nor damages, but only the value of the Land.

In Detinue. Si pro quer. de valore rei detent. & custag. & dampna.

[Page 37]

In Debt. Custag. & dampna.

Transgr. Consimile.

Ejectione firmae. Consimile.

Nusance. Consimile.

In Replevin. Damages for both parties, and costs.

In Account. No damages no costs.

In Wast. Only treble damages.

In Placito terrae. Nulla dampna nec custagia.

Warrantia Carta. Consimile.

Conventione. Dampna & custagia per queren.

Assize. Consimile.

Prohibition. Si pro quer. tum enquir. de exitibus & non plus.

Partitione facienda. Si pro quer. tunc de exit. & non plus.

En brevie de Entry in le per. Custag. & dampna.

En Action de debet sur Statut. E 6. qua extra ponent decimas. The treble value only, and neither costs nor damages.

In all reall Actions, generally no more then the Issue.

[Page]

PRINCIPIA SIVE MAXIMA LEGUM ANGLIA A GALLICO SERMONE COLLECTA.

[Page]

[Page 41]

Principia sive maxima legum Angliae a Gallico sermone collecta.

FIlius senior patri succedet in hereditate pre juniori. Si non sunt filii sed filie tunc omnes filie simul succedent patri ut una heres: & si nec sunt filii nec filie tunc secundum leges Anglie fratri vel sorori: & si non sit frater nec soror, tunc alteri consanguineo vel consanguinie proximiori dequocumque longo gradu sit ab illo qui ultimo possessus fuit descendet hereditas: & si non sit aliquis heres generalis nec specialis, tunc ad dominum feodi ut escaeta sua hereditas illa revertetur.

Per antiquam regni consuetudinem terra a filio ad patrem vel ad matrem nec ad alium antecessorem in recto lineo existendum nunquam descendet sive ascendet sed potius ad dominum feodi revertetur.

[Page 42]

Si frater medius terras perquirit in feodo & obiit sine herede de corpore suo procreato, tunc fratri seniori ex antiqua consuetudine regni descendet hereditas & non juntori. Si terra descendet alicui ex parte patris & ille obiit sine herede de corpore suo, tunc hereditas illa descendet proximis heredibus suis ex parte patris: & si heredes non habuerit ex parte patris, tunc hereditas illa ad dominum feodi illius ut escaeta sua revertetur & ad heredes ex parte matris sue minime descendet.

Si quis perquiret terras sibi & heredibus suis & obiit sine herede de corpore suo ut predicitur, tunc terra illa descendet proximo heredi ex parte patris sui si talem heredem habuerit.

Et si nullum talem heredem ex parte patris habuerit tunc ad proximum heredem suum ex parte matris sue descendet.

Ex consuetudine regni habetur quod filius natus ante matrimonium est bastardus licet per eundem ventrem fuerit genitus.

Bastardia generalis alligata debet probari & triari per juratam & non per ordinarium.

[Page 43]

Bona & catalla duabus personis conjunctum datam manebunt diutius viventi per jus accrescendi.

Nullus ultiones aut districtiones faciat absque consideratione curie domini regis licet dampnum vel injuria sibi fiant a vicino suo.

Bona & catalla nec realia nec personalia nunquam transient ad heredem sed ad executores nisi in aliqua patria ex consuetudine speciali aliter habeatur.

Vir habebit jure suo proprio omnia bona personalia que fuerint uxoris sue tempore matrimonii interdos solempnizati vel post. Per utlagariam bona utlegati domino regi sunt confiscata. Lex & consuetudo habetur in Anglia quod vir habebit totam hereditatem uxoris sue pro termino vite ejusdem viri de qua vir seisitus sive in feodo vel in feodo talliato in jure uxoris sue post sponsalia inter eos solempnizata ut tenens per legem Anglie prolem per uxorem suam habuerit alias nihil de hereditate illa gaudebit.

Habetur consuetudo quod uxor habebit tertiam partem hereditatis viri sui de qua vir suus fuit seisitus in facto vel lege post sponsalia inter eos celebrata, [Page 44] sive prolem habuerit sive non pro termino vite sue nomine dotis: sed in hoc casu oportet quod uxor tempore mortis viri sui sit ad minus etatis novem annorum quia alias dotes non habebit.

Antiqua lex & consuetudo habetur in Anglia quod post mortem tenentis per servitium militare, Dominus de quo tenens ille terram suam tenuit habebit custodiam maritagium heredis sui et terre sue quousque heres ille ad etatem, xxi. annorum pervenerit si masculus fuerit. Et si heres ille in tali casu fuerit plene etatis. xxi. annorum tempore mortis antecessoris sui, tunc solvet domino suo relenium quod per antiquam consuetudinem regni non fuerit certum: sed per statutum magne carte assignantur in certo. i. ad c. s. pro integro feodo militis, et sic secundum porcionem: Et si heres talis tenentis sit femina et ille tempore mortis antecessoris sui sit etatis .xiiii. annorum et ultra, non erit in costodia sed sol vet relenium ut supra. Sed si femina illa tempore mortis antecessoris sui fuerit infra etatem .xiiii. annorum, tunc per antiquam consuetudinem Regni erit in custodia solum usque, xiiii. annos ut [Page 45] supra: Sed per statutum West. primi erit in custodia in tali casu usque ad. xv. annorum.

De terra tenta in socagio ex antiqua consuetudine Regni proximus amicus heredis cui hereditas illa descendere non poterit habebit custodiam illius heredis et terre sue usque ad etatem ejusdem heredis .xiiii. annorum, et tunc heres ille intrare poterit. Eccum heres ille ad etatem .xxi. annorum pervenerit, custos reddet ei compotum de proficuis inde receptis pro toto tempore quo proficua inde recepit.

Tali heres in socagio pro relenio suo redditum suum duplicabit in anno proximo sequente mortem antecessoris sui.

Antiqua lex et consuetudo habentur in Anglia quod absque liberatione seisine nihil liberi tenementi alicujus terre per modum feofamenti transire feofato, licet ficcaria feofamenti inde facta et deliberata.

Voluntas facta de terra unde testator tempore mortis sue seisitus fuerit nullius affectus in lege existit: nisi sit consuetudo quod valeret: ut in civitate London habetur.

[Page 46]

Status ad terminum vite ex antiqua lege et consuetudine regni reputatur fore liberum tenementum propter quod oportet haberi inde liberatio seisine ut pre dicitur: sed dimissio ad terminum annorum non est liberum tenementum in lege sed catalle reale, ideo non est necesse ut fiat inde liberatio seisine.

Per antiquam consuetudinem regni pro reditu servitio et pro reditum reservato super dimissione facta ad terminum vite vel annorum, sive ad voluntatem quis potest distringere, licet non exprimatur quod distringere potest, & in tali casu potest distringere avaria tenentis statim postquam avaria illa super terram taliter tentam sive dimissani inveniri possint: sed avaria alterius quam tenentis que ibidem invenientur distringere non potest quousque avaria illa in terra predicta levantes et cubantes invenientur, sed pro debito super obligatione aut contractu nec pro compoto sive arreragiis compotis nec pro similibus nullus distringere potest.

Per antiquam legem et consuetudinem regni, omnes exitus qui emergent in aliqua curia de recordo infra regnum [Page 47] nisi pauci de quibus non est hic necesse tractandum, debent triari per .xii. liberos et legales homines de viseneto, et qui nulli parcium ulla affinitate attingent ei in aliis curiis que non sunt de recordo, ut in com. hundred, curia, baronis et similibus, exitus triari debent per sacramentum partium et non aliter, nisi er consensu partium.

Habetur in legibus Anglie quod scutagium incertum facit servicium militare et quod scutagium certum facit socagium.

Prescriptio in proficuis capiendo extra terras alterius facit jus.

Limitatio prescriptionis generaliter sumpta est a tempore cujus contrarii memoria hominum non existit.

Sit tenens in brevi de scire facias placitat non tenuram generalem petens potest petere executionem sub periculo suo sed in aliis brevibus oportet petentem in tali casu breve suum manu tenere.

In brevibus realibus ubi dampna non sunt recuperanda tenens potest disclamare contra quam disclamationem petens non potest breve suum manutenere sed breve cassabitur et si veritas sit [Page 49] quod est tenens tunc petens potest licite in terram illam intrare.

Assignatus fieri potest de terra datis in feodum ad terminum vite, l' annorum. Licet nulla mentio fiat de assignatis, eadem lex est de redditu, concesso, &c. sed aliter est de garrantia et de conventione.

Conditio ad evacuandum liberum tenementum fine scripto placitari non potest.

Relaxatio sive confirmatio facta per eum qui tempore relaxationis vel confirmationis illius facte nullum jus inde habent, vaeua est in lege licet jus ei postea adveniret nisi sit cum garrantia.

Ius l' titulus actionis quod solum in actione dependet alteri vendi non potest nisi solum terram tenenti.

In actione debiti super contractu defendens potest sacramentum prestare quod nihil debet, licet fuit testis contractus, aliter est super breve de debito prosecuto super dimissione terre facta ad terminum annorum vel ad voluntatem.

Si breve de exigendo in casu felonie aliquem dirigatur, bona sua domino regi sint statim confiscata.

[Page 49]

Si filius in vita patris sit attinctus, licet postea cartam perdonationis a rege optineat, tamen sanguis corruptus est et heres patri suo esse non poterit, Ita quod in tali casu post mortem patris, terra illa escaebit, nec fratri suo juniori si fratrem habeat nullo modo descendere potest.

Si vir alienaverit terram uxoris sue et obiit, uxor intrare non potest, sed breve quod dicitur cui in vita impetrare oportet.

Villanus ante ingressum factum per dominum suum licite potest terras suas dare et vendere cuicumque voluerit, et venditio illa sive donum illud firma & stabilia in lege existunt: eadem quoque lex habetur de bonis et catallis, sed si dominus ejus ea prius seisierit domino pertinent.

Si quis felonus furatus fuerit bona ad valentiam xii. d. vel ultra morte punietur: et si sit infra valentiam, xii. d. vocatur perva latrocinia et non punietur morte sed aliter secundum discretionem Iustitiariorum.

In favorem vite ille qui arramatus est super indictamento felonis potest calumniare peremptorie xxxvi. juratores, [Page 50] quod si ultra illum munerum aliquem calumpniaverit peremtorie seipsum condempnat quia legem recusavit: sed cum causa potest tot juratores calumpniare quot causas potest probare.

Terra cujusli (bus) in lege est ab aliis inclusa nisi ex antiquo se includere teneant.

Redditus, communia, pasture revercio vel similia que non jacent in manuali occupatione non possunt alteri dari nec concedi sine scriptio.

Ille qui recuperaverit debita vel dampna in curia regis per talem actionem ubi-breve de capias jacuit in originali infra annum post illam recuperationem potest habere breve de capias ad satisfaciendum, per quod defendens capietur et prisone committetur, a qua non exiet donec debita et dampna plene persolverit.

Si relaxatio aut confirmatio fiat et qui nullam possessionem habent in terris illis tempere illius relaxationis sive confirmationis facte vacua est ac nullius vigore in lege.

Nullus potest dominum regem disseisire nec dominus rex aliquem disseisire [Page 51] potuerit, ita quod liberum tenementum per talem disseisinam transfertur de rege ad alium nec e contra. Nullum liberum tenementum potest domino regi dari nec ab eo transferri nisi per materiam de recordo, tanta est in lege reg. excel.

In quibusdam brevibus fit processus per summonicione attachiamentum et distringas infinite et in quibusdam per capias infinite et in quibusdam per utiagariam et quod in brevibus realibus fiet processus persummonicionem, magnum cape ante apparentiam & per pervum cape post apparentiam.

Mandans aliquam transgressionem fieri, est transgressor.

Ille qui habent possessionem terrarum licet injuste, tamen jus habent versus omnes preter versus eum qui verum jus inde habent.

Actio realis prosecuta versus aliquem qui nihil habet in repetita, cassanda est in lege.

Alienatio tenentis l' ingressus in religionem pendente brevi versus eum nec si tenens fiat nilles aut si tenens sit mulier et virum ceperit pendente brevi, breve non cassabit.

[Page 52]

Si terra aliqua et redditus aliquis exiens de eadem terra in una manu remanent de simili statu et simili securitate tituli redditus ille extinctus est.

Si terra aliqua descenderit ei qui jus habet ad eandem terram in meliore jure suo, si noluerit in lege judicabitur.

Si duo tituli concurrant senior tituli est preferendus.

Quilibet pro dampnis avariorum suorum in pascendo et terram alterius conculcando respondere tenetur nisi sit inde justificationis causa.

Si petens pendente brevi suo intrat in rem petitam breve cassabit,

In Kentia est quedam consuetudo que vocatur Gavelkend ubi omnes fratres simul hereditabunt sicut sorores ad communem legem.

Perticularis consuetudo habetur que vocatur Borough-english ubi filius junior solum patri succedet: ut est in villa Nottingham et in civitate London alia consuetudo habetur quod illi qui in civitate illa sunt liberi, possunt per testamenta sua terras suas etiam de quibus seisite existunt legalie cuicumque voluerint, nisi ad manum mortuam et quod ille qui sunt cives et liberi [Page 53] ibidem etiam ad manum mortuam terras suas legare poterint.

In Gavelkynd licet pater suspendatur, tamen filius patri in hereditatem succedet.

In insula hominis qui furatur caponem vel gallinam suspendetur, si vero equum non suspendetur.

In aliqua patria per consuetudinem specialem mulier habebit medietatem hereditatis viri sui nomine dotis quamdiu sola vixit.

In aliqua patria vir habebit medietatem hereditatis uxoris sue pro termino vite sue licet etiam prolem per eum non habuerit.

In aliqua patria infans cum sit etate xv. annorum potest feofamentum facere & in alia patria cum sit ulna panni metire, &c.

In aliquibus dominiis liberi tenentes possunt terras suas in curia domini sui sursum reddere per virgam vel aliter secundum usum curie illius, & in tali casu per illam sursum redditionem liberum tenementum inde transibit ad illum cui fit illa sursum redditio absque aliqua liberatione ser sive inde fienda.

[Page 54]

In Gavelkynd garrantia inde facta descendet solum super filium seniorem qui est heres ad communem legem.

Garrantia facta per infantem qui per consuetudinem feofamentum fecerit vacua est in lege.

Relaxatio similiter per eum facta vacua etiam est in lege.

Si quis obligatus in obligatione pecunias solverit et acquietantiam non reperit vel captam perdit quod tunc illa solutio secundum legem Anglie nihil ei prodest.

Iuditia in curiis domini regis reddita non adnihilentur sine errore attincta l' breve de certificatione nove disseisive.

Si duo teneant alique boscum conjunctim et unus eorum totum boscum succidet et omnes proficues inde convertit ad opus suum proprium in isto casu socius nullum inde habet remedium versus eum ad communem legem.

Si quis fecerit factum feofamenti pluribus de una acra terre et virtute illius facit liberationem seisive uni eorum nomine omnium. In isto casu omnes tam absentes quam presentes [Page 55] habent jus in acra illa in lege: sed aliter esset si talis liberatio seisive facta fuerit uni nomine pluriorum absentium sive facto quia tunc illi cui facta fuerit liberantia seisive haberet solum jus in illa acra secundum legem & alii nihil inde haberent.

Si quis seifitus de quodam manerio ad quod habet communiam pasture pertinente & quandam advocationem appendentem facit feofamentum manerii predicti alteri ex mero motu suo & non dicit habendum sibi, &c. cum pertinentiis. In isto casu feofatus habet jus ex lege solum ad manerium predictum et ad communiam pasture predicte & non advocationem predictam. Sed si feofamentum factum fuisset de manerio predicto habendum sibi et heredibus suis cum pertinentiis, tunc feofat. haberet jus ad manerium predictum et ad communiam illam ac etiam ad advocationem in lege.

Si dominus rex seisitus de manerio cum advocatione eidem manerio pertinente ex mero motu dederit idem manerium alteri per litteras suas patentes, habebit sibi et hered. suis cum pertinentiis. In isto casu cui fit donum [Page 56] non habet jus ad advocationem predictam in lege: sed si littere patentes fuissent taliter facte scilicet habend. manerium, &c. sibi & heredibus suis cum advocatione predicta tunc haberent jus ad manerium & advoca. predic. in lege.

Si dominus Rex faciet seisiri in manibus suis manerium cum pertinentiis ratione custodie ad quod est quedam advocateo pertinens. Et cum heres ad plenam etatem pervencrit dominus rex facit ei liberationem extra Cancellariam de maneriis predictis per hec verba cum pertinentiis, advocatio transit heredi. Licet expressa mentio minime fiat de advocatione ita quodd. heres ille ad proximam vocationem habet jus presentandi ad ecclesiam illam in lege.

Si quis fecerit dimissionem ad terminum annorum, reddendo sibi et heredibus suis, x. s. per annum ad festum sancti michaelis, &c. sub conditione quod si redditus predictus aretro fuerit per xl. dies, &c. quod tunc bene licebit dimissori & heredibus suis reintrare, & postea reditus predictus aretro extiterit, & dimissor petit & demandat redditum [Page 57] secundum formam legis & obiit, & heres suus intrat: intratio illa est bona & justa in lege: Sed si pater suus non demandasset redditum in vita sua & heres suus post mortem suam secisset demandam & pro defectu solutitnis, reintrasset tunc reintratio illa non fuisset bona in lege.

Si tenens in dote seminaverit agros suos & obiit ante maturitatem granorum grana illa pertinent executioribus tenentis in dote per legem & non ipsi in reversione, aliter est de herbis & fructibus.

Si mulier semina verit terram suam & postea virum reperit & vir ante seperationem obiit, tunc blada illa pertinent mulieri in lege: sed aliter esset si vir post matrimonium seminasset terram quia tunc blada illa executoribus viri pertinerent in lege.

Si quis de terra aliqua seisitus terram illam alter legat legatio illa secundum legem anglie vacua est, nullius (que) vigoris & heres suus terram illam habebit.

Si quis alteri dederit terram per hoc verba habend. & tenend. sibi imperpetuum intendens quod terram illam habebit sibi & heredibus suis, in hoc casu cui [Page 58] terra illa data est terram illam solum habebit ad terminum vite sue & post mortem ad donatorem revertetur per legem.

Si quis dimiserit terram & redditum quem prius habuit, alteri ad terminum vite & tenens de terra unde redditus exiit attornaverit ut oportet posteaque predictus tenens ad. terminum vite terram & redditum predictum alienaverit per terminum vite alterius [...]in feodo, tunc ille in revertione secundum legem Anglie terram illam intrare & tenere potest: sed redditum illum habere non potest. Nam secundum lelegem anglie terra predicta per predicta alienationem forisfacta est & non redditus.

Filius nat. post matrimonium hereditate patris gaudebit pre filio nato ante matrimonium, et causa est quia lex et consuetudo Anglie talem habet ut legittimum et filium natum ante matrimonium bastardum judicat.

Si terra detur viro ex uxori sue et tertie persone in feodo et postea vir terram illam aliena verit et obiit, mulier medietatem illius terre recuperabit. Sed si terra detur viro & mulieri non [Page 59] maritate & tertie persone: & postea vir & mulier illa simul maritentur et postea vir ille alienaverit & obiit, in illo casu mulier solum tertia partem recuperabit per legem Anglie.

Emptor jus habet erga omnes ad bona empta in feriis l' marcatis dum conscius prime proprietatis non fuerit, ita quod emptor tolnetum solvat aut aliud fecerit pro tali emptione secundum consuetudinem feria R. illa R.

Deodanda forisfacta sunt regi cuicumque prius pertinebant, & causa illa quare forisfacta sunt non habentur nisi qua lex judicat ea forisfieri & per ala ipsius mortui disponi.

Dominus rex habebit catalla utlegato R. felonum fugitiorum ac waynfetorum ac extrahuras bona confiscata dum secundum legem cum debito circumstantiis forisfacta sunt: Sed bona illorum qui solum indictati sunt pro felonia vel murdro non sunt forisfacta in lege quousque ille indictatus secundum legem anglie attinctus sit.

Si tenens cessaverit perbiennium l' si tenens teneri de domino suo in curia de recordo disclama verit, l' si tenens ad terminum vite in brevi de quod intur [Page 60] clamat feodum clamat l' in actione reali auxilium de alio quod de ipso in revertione petit, l' si Abbas et conventus terram fundationis dominis sue alienaverit. In his casibus & his similibus forisfacta est terra et nulla alia causa habetur nisi quia terra illa in casubus predictis secundum legem forisfacta est.

Blada crescentia super terram dimissam ad terminum annorum in fine termini pertinent ipsi in revertione: sed aliter est de bladum tenentum ad terminum vite.

Executor tenentis ad terminum vite habebit bladam crescentiam per legem anglie.

Successor rector unius Ecclesie habebit blada crescen. cum decimis per legem ecclesie.

Si dimissio fiat de certa terra ad terminum vite remanere inde rectis heredibus Iohannis & style. Si in isto casu tenens ad ter. vite obierit in vita Iohannis at style, tunc tempora illa ad donatorem revertetur. Sed hoc intelligendum est, cum remanere illud factum fuerit ex mero motu quia remanere illud vacuum est in lege. Sed [Page 61] in illo casu si Iohannes at style cui remanere illud limitatum fuit obiit in vita tenentis ad terminum vite tunc remanere illud esset bonum in lege.

In casu predicto si Iohannes at style obiit vivente, tenente ad terminum vite habens filiam & heredem uxore sua cum filio pregnante post eaque tenens ad terminum vite obiit & filia ut in remanere illud ut heres intrat juste ut poterit, posteaque filius natus est qui tunc heres patri suo in lege censetur. Tamen filia terra predicta gaudebit imper petuum, quia lex talis est quod jus inde filie pertinet.

Si infans etate, xx. annorum habens se et sua gubernare terram suam vendiderit & cum pecunia inde recepta aliam terram majoris precii quam fuerit, prima emittet possidet, potest terram primam repetere per legem.

Per liberationem seisine factam per aliquem qui est plene etatis extra prisonam nec viro coopertam, transfertur possessio & jus ei cui talis fit seisine liberatio.

Si quis impanellatus in aliqua jurata per breve de districtione apparere noluer it. Lex anglie vult quod exitus [Page 62] perdat qui pro rege ex antiqua consuetudine regni levari possunt tam de terra uxoris etiam post mortem viri sui qui eos foris fecerit quod de terra illius in revertione cum per tenentem suum ad terminum vite jam mortuum forisfacti fuerint,

Vbi duo tituli concurrunt senior titulus est preferendus.

Si quis fecerit alteri feofamentum in feodo de certa terra habend. sibi et heredibus suis sub conditione quod si feofatus inde aliquem alterum feofari contingerit quod tunc bonum licebit feofatori & heredibus suis in terra illa reintrare & eam ut impristome statu suo rehabete predicto feofamento non abstante conditio predicta in lege anglie vacua existit nullins (que) vigoris nec licebit feofatori reintrare licet feofatus faciat feofament. contra formam conditionis illius.

Similis lex habetur, si super statu feodi simplicis facta fuerit conditio quod feofatus non fecerit vastum. Talis conditio etiam vacua esset in lege. Sed si conditio facta fuisset quod non feofaret talem l' talem, &c. conditio illa esset bona quia non esset facto suo nec statu feodi simplicis mere contraria, nam alios potit inde feofare.

[Page 63]

Si quis intendens alteri dare terram in feodo simplici facit ei factum in quo continetur quod habebit terram illam imperpetuum intendens quod per hoc verbum imperpetuum habebit terram illam sibi et heredibus suis in hoc casu frustrata est intentio in lege, nam solum habet terram illam ad terminum vite.

Si quis dederit alteri terram quam habent ad terminum vite, xx. annorum habendum sibi & heredibus suis, intendens quod heredes illius cui terram illam conscesserit terra illa gaudebit durante termino illo frustrata est intentio: eo quod non est ordinata secundum legem ut supra. Nam executores sui secundum legem in illo casu termino illo gaudebunt et non heredum.

Si quis dat terram viro & uxori sue, & tertie persone intendens quod quilibet eorum tertiam partem inde acciperet, frustrata est intentio nam vir & mulier ut una persona in lege computantur et nisi uniam partem ut una sola persona capient: et sic vir & uxor solum medietatem inde contra intentionem donatoris habebunt & tertia persona capiet aliam medietatem.

[Page 64]

Lex Anglie non est quod omnes conditio facta sine scripto sit vacua: sed quod non potest placitare sine scripto.

Si teneus in tallio post possibilitatem exitus extincti fecerit vastum non tenetur restituere sibi in reversione ad valorem rei vastate secundum legem.

Si quis utlegatus fuerit super actione in qua returnatum fuit quod defendens fuit quinto exactus cum secundum veritatem nunquam fuerit exactus dominus rex potest bona talia utlagati ut sua retinere.

Executores non tenentur restituere dampna pro personali transgressione facta per testatorum secundum legem Anglie.

Si quis obierit seisitus de C. acris terre & post ejus mortem vir filie sue & heredis statim post notitiam mortis patris uxoris sue ceperit iter ad intrandum in terram illam: sed antiquam ad terram illam venire poterit uxor sua obiit. Non erit tenens per legem Anglie posito quod prolem habuerit.

Si redditus alicui concadatur percipiendus de duabus acris terre & postea ille cui fit illa concessio perquirat unam [Page 65] acram dictarum duarum acrarum terre & factum est ei inde feofamentum totus redditus predictus extinctus est secundum legem.

Si nativus concedatur uni ad terminum vite, & nativus ille perquirat terras sibi & heredibus suis in isto casu tenens ad terminum vite intrabit in terras illas & gaudebit sibi & heredibus suis secundum legem Anglie.

Si quis habens filium natum ante matrimonium & alium post matrimonium per ultimam voluntatem suam legat filio & heredi suo omnia bona sua qui natus est post matrimonium gaudebit legatis patris.

In debito versus heredem respondentem quod nihil habet per discensum & inventeum est per Iurat. quod habet unam acram terre, Executio fiet de omnibus bonis suis pro suo falso pl [...]ito.

In debito versus executorum respondentem & facientes aliud placitum in barram quod plene administraverunt, & inventum est per Iurat. contra eos executio fiet de bonis suis propriis per suo falsa placito.

Si unus executum obiit, bona testat. manebunt executorum vinente. [Page 66] Nam ille erit onoratus executione testamenti testatoris et non executores.

Si unus administrat. obiit sui executorum non possunt administrare bona intestati: sed Ordinarius faciat novas litteras ad ministrandum.

Si executorum non vendunt terras divisas heres intrabit, quia nullus alius terras illas vendere potest.

Nullus habebit auxilium de domino rege si dominus rex non fuerit damnificat.

Terra data homini habend. tamdiu talis arbor cressit. est bonum feodum simplex deternabile super vita.

Terra divisis uni imperpetuum habet feodum simplex in terra illa.

Terra data uni imperpetuum non habent feodum simplex sed est tenens ad terminum vite de terra illa.

Curie domini regis.

CAncellaria regis est curia in qua inter alia impetrantur brevia originalia aliis curis regis juxta necessitatem querentium dirigenda,

Remedium per comunmem legem non datum, petendum est in Cancellaria.

Nemo recedet a Cancellario sine remedio.

[Page 67]

Bancus regis est curia in qua tractantur proditiones, murdra, homicidia, felon. & alia coutra pacem Regis facta.

Communis bancus est curia in qua tractantur communia placita, ut de terris & tenementis & de debitis et de catallis et his similibus.

Scaccarie regis, est curia in qua tractantur diversa negotia ipsum dominum regem solummodo tangentia ut de Vice. Escaeta, receptoribus, Ballivis, & aliis officiariis regis & his similibus he curie.

Sunt curie de Recordo, quia illi qui in eis president per litteras patentes regis assignare debent.

Habentque curie ille multas et diversas aucthoritates, de quibus non est ad presens dicendum.

Diverse alie curie in regno Anglie sunt minoris tamen aucthoritatis quam curie predicte.

Nam in quolibet com. infra regnum est quedam curiam que vocatur Comitatus, et alia que vocatur turnus Vicecomitis: et in quolibet manerio infra regnum habetur quedam curia eidem manerio incidens, [Page 68] que vocatur curia Baronis: et in omnibus nundinis et feriis habetur quedam curia iisdem feriis iucidens que vocatur curia Pedis pulverisati, que solum tenebitur tempore feriarum illarum.

Ex antiqua consuetudine regni habetur quod omnes faciant et recipiant justitiam in curia regis, et illa consuetudo confirmatur per statutum de Marlebrig. ca. ii. quod tale est. Omnes tam majores quam minores justitiam faciant et recipiant in curia regis, et nullus ultiones aut districtiones faciat absque consideratione curie domini regis licet dampnum vel injuria sibi fiant a vicino suo.

Ex consuetudine regni habetur quod nullus mittetur ad respondendum nec judicetur nisi secundum legem terre. Et hec consuetudo confirmatur per Magnam cartam. ca. xxvi. ubi sic habetur, nullus liber homo capietur aut inprisonetur aut disseisie tur aut aliquo modo destruetur, nec super eum ibimus, nec super eum mittemus nisi per legale judicium parium suorum et per legem terre.

[Page 69]

Alie quoque generales consuetudines regni Anglie habentur que vim Regis retinent, nec absque perliamento mutari possunt.

Anno xxxviii. regni Regis Henrici octavi.

[Page]

THE TABLE.

THe manner of calling the Court Page 1.
How the Patents must be read Page 2.
The manner how to call the Sheriffs Page 3.
How to call the Justices of the Peace Page 3.
How to call the Coroners, Stewards, and High Constables Page 3.
When the Commissions of Oyer and Terminer are to be read Page 4.
How to call the Grand Jury Page 4.
The Oath given to the Grand Jury Page 5.
The manner of calling the Prosecutors against the Prisoners Page 6.
The manner of fyling the Recognizances and bill Page 7.
The manner of Arraynment of the Prisoner, and calling the bayls Page 8.
The manner of entring of the Prisoners [Page] Pleas and Confessions Page 9.
The manner of calling the Jury of Life and Death Page 10.
The oath given to the Jury of Life and Death Page 11.
The tryall of the Prisoners Page 12.
The manner of taking the Verdict of the Jury of Life and Death Page 15.
The Constables presentments Page 15 16.
The manner of the Tryall of Ryotors and Trespassors Page 17.
The manner of delivery of the Prisoners by Proclamation Page 17.
The forme of keeping of the Goale book Page 18.
The manner of the Callender for the Judge before he proceedeth to sentence Page 19.
The forme of calling the Prisoners to hear Judgment Page 23.
Allowing the Clergie Page 23.
The manner of giving Judgment Page 24.
The Proclamation against [...]ecusants Page 25.
The Adjurning of the Assises Page 25.
The Proceeding on the Nisi prius side Page 27.
Calling the Jury Page 28.
Calling the defendant Page 28.
Challenges Page 28.
Returning and calling the Tales Page 29.
The Juries oath Page 29.
[Page]The Charge to the Jury of Nisi prius Page 29.
Taking the verdict Page 30. 31.
The manner of returning the Posteas Page 32.
The manner of all kinds of Verdicts Page 33. 34.
Conviction of Recusants Page 33.
Generall Estreate Page 33.
Traverses Page 34.
Processes, Felons, Trespassors, and Trespasses Page 34.
Women Felons, being with Child Page 35.
Verdicts in Dower, Quare Impedit, &c. Page 36, 37.

FINIS.

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this EEBO-TCP Phase II text, in whole or in part.