Legal Definitions - Trinity sittings

Trinity sittings refers to one of the traditional periods in the legal year during which courts in England and Wales were historically open and actively conducting judicial business. Traditionally, these sittings commenced on May 22nd and concluded on June 12th each year. While the modern court calendar is now more flexible and continuous, the term reflects a historical structure of the legal year, alongside other sittings like Hilary, Easter, and Michaelmas.

Here are some examples to illustrate its application:

• Example 1: Scheduling a Historical Trial

  Imagine a barrister in the late 19th century preparing for a significant civil trial. They would meticulously plan their arguments and witness preparation, knowing that the court would be actively hearing cases during the specific window of the Trinity sittings. This meant they had from May 22nd to June 12th to present their case, influencing their strategic decisions and timeline.

  This example illustrates how the term defined a precise, limited timeframe within the legal year when judicial proceedings would actively take place, impacting the planning and execution of legal work.

• Example 2: Researching Old Court Records

  A legal historian is examining old court judgments from the early 20th century, trying to understand the pace of litigation. They might find a case judgment dated "June 5th, during Trinity sittings." This detail immediately tells the historian that the case was heard and decided within that specific three-week period in late spring, providing context about the court's operational schedule at the time.

  This example demonstrates the historical use of the term in official court documentation, helping researchers understand when specific legal events occurred within the traditional court calendar.

• Example 3: Discussing the Evolution of Court Calendars

  During a seminar on the modernization of the justice system, a senior judge might explain how the rigid structure of the past, with distinct periods like Trinity sittings, has evolved. They might contrast it with today's more continuous court schedule, where judges sit for longer periods throughout the year, highlighting the shift from fixed terms to a more adaptable system while acknowledging the historical legacy of these terms.

  This example shows how the term is used to refer to a historical phase of court operations, providing a point of comparison for understanding the development and increased flexibility of modern judicial calendars.