ASSIZE COURTS IN ENGLAND

courts of justice held several times each year in every county. The king’s commi ion to hold the a ize is i ued to His Majesty’s judges, one of whom usually presides, but it may be directed also to some king’s counsel, or other barrister, who then, if need be, takes the place of the judge. The commi ion is in several parts, the united effect of which is to empower the judge to try treasons and felonies, to clear the jails of all prisoners, and to try all civil causes. For the purpose of holding the a ize the country is divided into eight circuits, viz.: the Western, Northern, Midland, Oxford, North-Eastern, SouthEastern, N. Wales, and S. Wales. London and Middle sex are not included in the circuit system, Civil cases are tried in the High Court of Justice, and criminal cases at the Central Criminal