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Assize: meaning, definitions and examples

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assize

 

[ əˈsaɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal context

An assize refers to a session of a court, especially in England and Wales, where judges travel to different locations to conduct legal proceedings. It historically involved the assessment of property for taxation or the determination of criminal cases. Assizes were particularly important in the medieval legal system.

Synonyms

court session, judicial assembly, legal hearing

Examples of usage

  • The judge held an assize in the county to address outstanding cases.
  • During the assize, important decisions on land disputes were made.
  • The historical records show how assizes were conducted throughout the year.

Etymology

The term 'assize' originates from the Middle English word 'assise', which stems from Old French 'assise' meaning 'a sitting' or 'session'. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'assidere', meaning 'to sit beside' or 'to sit in judgment'. Historically, it referred to a particular type of court proceeding in medieval England, where judges would travel to various locations to deliver justice in criminal and civil cases. The establishment of assizes was a significant development in the English legal system, creating a more structured approach to law enforcement and the judicial process. Assizes played a key role in the dissemination of common law, ensuring that laws and judgments were consistent across different regions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,701, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.