Legal Definitions - proclamator

A proclamator was a historical official within the English legal system, specifically serving in the Court of Common Pleas. Their primary responsibility was to make public announcements, known as "proclamations," on behalf of the court. These announcements could include official orders, judgments, or other important information that needed to be formally communicated to those present in the court and, by extension, to the wider public.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a proclamator:

• Announcing the Commencement of Proceedings: Imagine a busy court day in 17th-century London. As a new case is about to be heard, the proclamator would step forward and loudly declare, "Hear ye, hear ye! All persons having business before this High Court of Common Pleas draw near and give your attendance! The case of [Plaintiff's Name] versus [Defendant's Name] concerning a matter of debt is now called!"

  This example demonstrates the proclamator's role in formally opening court sessions or calling specific cases to order, ensuring that all parties and the public were aware of the court's immediate business.

• Declaring a Court's Judgment: Following a lengthy trial where a jury has reached a verdict, the judge would instruct the proclamator to make the outcome known. The proclamator might then announce, "By order of this honorable court, and upon the verdict rendered by the jury, it is hereby proclaimed that [Defendant's Name] is found liable for damages to [Plaintiff's Name], and judgment is entered accordingly!"

  This illustrates the proclamator's function in publicly formalizing and communicating the court's final decisions or judgments, making the legal outcome clear and official to everyone present.

• Issuing General Court Orders or Warnings: If the court had a new directive regarding conduct within the court precincts or a general warning to the public, the proclamator would be responsible for its dissemination. For instance, they might proclaim, "Let it be known to all present that any person found causing disturbance or disrespecting the dignity of these proceedings shall be removed forthwith and may face further penalty as the court deems fit!"

  This shows the proclamator's role in communicating official rules, warnings, or decrees from the court to maintain order and ensure compliance with judicial authority among the public.