Legal Definitions - ad assisas capiendas

The Latin phrase ad assisas capiendas refers to the historical practice of holding "assizes." In medieval and early modern England, assizes were periodic court sessions conducted by traveling judges in various counties. These judges, often appointed by the Crown, would journey to different regions to hear and decide both criminal cases and civil disputes, bringing royal justice to local communities. Therefore, ad assisas capiendas literally means "to hold assizes" or "to conduct these judicial sessions."

• Example 1: Royal Mandate
  Imagine a royal decree issued in the 15th century, instructing a group of judges to travel through the western counties of England. The decree might state that the judges were dispatched ad assisas capiendas in towns like Bristol and Exeter. This illustrates the term because it describes the official purpose of their journey: to establish and preside over the periodic court sessions (assizes) in those specific locations, thereby administering justice on behalf of the Crown.
• Example 2: A Judge's Duty
  Consider a prominent judge in the 17th century, known for his rigorous application of the law. His annual calendar would include several periods dedicated to traveling the circuit, fulfilling his duty ad assisas capiendas across several shires. Here, the phrase highlights the judge's responsibility and the act of undertaking the journey to conduct these important judicial proceedings outside of the central courts in London.
• Example 3: Local Court Establishment
  When a small market town in the 18th century prepared for the arrival of the King's judges, local officials would make arrangements for the courthouse and lodging. The entire community understood that the judges were coming ad assisas capiendas, meaning they were there to hear petitions, try accused criminals, and settle land disputes that had accumulated since the last visit. This example shows the practical application of the term from the perspective of the local community, emphasizing the establishment of the court sessions themselves and the types of cases they would address.