Legal Definitions - nisi prius roll

The term nisi prius roll refers to the official written record of a trial that took place locally, typically before a single judge and jury, rather than in the central courts. Historically, this document served as a comprehensive transcript of the proceedings, detailing the formal pleadings (the parties' initial written statements of their claims and defenses), the issues presented for trial, the evidence introduced, and the final verdict or judgment.

Think of it as the complete, formal file of a specific trial conducted in a regional court, which would then be returned to the central court system for permanent record-keeping or further action, such as an appeal.

• Example 1: Property Boundary Dispute

  Imagine a dispute between two neighbors over a property line in a rural county. The case goes to trial in the local county courthouse, presided over by a judge who travels to that circuit. The official document meticulously recording all the legal arguments, the testimony of surveyors, the presentation of old deeds, and ultimately the jury's decision on where the boundary lies, would be the nisi prius roll. This roll would then be sent back to the central court archives, serving as the definitive record of that local trial.

• Example 2: Breach of Contract Case

  Consider a small business in a provincial town suing a supplier for failing to deliver goods as per a contract. The trial is held in the regional court, allowing the parties and witnesses to attend without traveling to a distant central court. The entire formal record of this trial—including the initial complaint, the supplier's defense, the evidence presented by both sides regarding the contract terms and delivery, and the judge's final ruling on whether a breach occurred and what damages are owed—would be compiled into the nisi prius roll. This document ensures a complete and accurate account of the local proceedings.

• Example 3: Personal Injury Claim

  Suppose an individual suffers an injury due to a slip and fall at a local store and decides to sue for damages. The trial takes place in the county where the incident occurred. The nisi prius roll for this case would contain the plaintiff's claim of negligence, the store's defense, the medical reports, witness testimonies, and the jury's verdict on liability and the amount of compensation awarded. This detailed record is crucial for any potential appeals or for future reference regarding the case's outcome.