Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Commission of Gaol Delivery: A special order from the king or queen that allows a judge to travel to county jails and hear criminal cases. This helps to make sure that justice is served for people who are being held in jail.
A Commission of Gaol Delivery is a historical appointment given by the monarch to a judge, allowing them to travel on the assize circuit and hear all criminal cases of those held in county jails. This commission was used in England and Wales during the medieval and early modern periods.
For example, if a person was accused of a crime and held in a county jail, the judge appointed by the monarch would travel to that jail and hear their case. This allowed for a fair trial and ensured that justice was served.
The Commission of Gaol Delivery was often used in conjunction with the Commission of Oyer and Terminer, which allowed the judge to hear cases that were not yet in the county jail. Together, these commissions ensured that all criminal cases were heard and justice was served.