Court of Oyer and Terminer

The Court of Oyer and Terminer was a special type of court established in English and American history to handle serious criminal cases, particularly during times of heightened concern like crime waves or witchcraft trials. The name, derived from Old French, means "to hear and to try," indicating its role in conducting criminal trials and determining guilt or innocence. It focused on federal or serious state crimes, and its proceedings often involved a more formal process than ordinary courts. These courts were typically temporary, convened specifically to address pressing criminal matters before being dissolved once their tasks were completed.