oyer (oyer)

[ anciently, the hearing of the reading of such document. In early times often called oyer and determiner. He may crave oyer of the writ, or of the bond, or other specialty upon which the action is brought: that is, to hear it read to him, the generality of defendants in the times of antient simplicity being supposed incapable to read it themselves. Black stone, Com., III. xx. Court of oyer and terminer [OF. oyer et terminer, hear and determine], a court for the trial of indictments in England, held under a commi ion by virtue of which the judges have power, as the terms imply, to hear and determine specified offenses, usually all treasons, felonies, and misdemeanors. In some of the United States the name has been adopted for the higher criminal courts of corresponding jurisdiction. oyes, oyez (ō'yes, ō'yez). [ And there with all com maunded his heraude to make an oyes. Hall , Hen. VIII., an. 1. On whose bright crest Fame, with her loud'st oyes , Cries, "This is he!" Shak ., T. and C., iv. 5. 143. IMG:content-2095.jpg:[blocks in formation]