Quarter Sessions

Quarter Sessions were local courts in England that convened four times a year (hence the name "quarter") to hear criminal cases and some civil matters. They were established in the 14th century and served to ease the workload of the Assize Courts. These sessions were presided over by justices of the peace (magistrates) and typically dealt with less serious offenses, such as minor theft or public disorder. The system remained in place until the late 19th century when it was replaced by more modern court structures, such as county courts and magistrates' courts.