Legal Definitions - forty-days court

Definition: The Forty-Days Court, also known as the Court of Attachments, was an inferior forest court that had jurisdiction over trespasses in the royal forests. The judges of this court, called verderers, met every 40 days to hear charges made by the royal foresters. Major trespass cases were heard by the justices in eyre. The court was also referred to as the Wood-mote.

Example: If someone was caught hunting or cutting down trees in the royal forest without permission, they would be brought before the Forty-Days Court to face charges and potential punishment.

Explanation: The Forty-Days Court was responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations of the royal forests. The verderers would hear cases of trespass and determine the appropriate punishment, which could include fines or imprisonment. The court played an important role in protecting the forests and preserving them for the use of the monarch and the people.