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Reference Number496.5 BA9360
Hierarchy Browser Number8001/3/6
TitleCourt Leet
DescriptionThe Court Leet dealt specifically with minor criminal offences until its functions were largely taken over by the Magistrates at Petty Sessions. The court leet was concerned with the enforcement of law and order and represented the transfer of jurisdiction normally exercised in the royal courts to the local, manorial lord. It inspected the working of the frankpledge - a system of mutual responsibility for the maintenance of law and order. This is often referred to as the 'view of frankpledge'. It would also try offences such as assaults, obstruction of highways, or the breaking of the assize of bread and ale. It might also deal with the election of local officials such as constables. The court leet was normally held every six months.

After the heading, the business of the court was normally divided into distinct sections. There may well be a list of the names of tenants who failed to attend the court; a record of changes in tenancy such as surrenders and admissions; a list of names of manorial jurors; a list of 'presentments', or offences to be considered by the jury; details of amercements, or fines, issued by the jury for offences; a list of 'pains', or regulations of the manor; and a record of the election of officials.
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