Legal Definitions - articles of the eyre

Definition: Articles of the eyre (air) were a set of questions asked by justices in eyre to the members of a community to find out if any breaches of the law had occurred during the court's absence. This inquiry helped the justices to fine criminal behavior and raise revenue for the Crown through the levying of penalties.

Example: During the Middle Ages, justices in eyre would travel around the country to hold court sessions. When they arrived in a town, they would ask the locals a series of questions, such as "Has anyone been stealing from their neighbors?" or "Has anyone been causing trouble in the streets?" The answers to these questions would help the justices to identify any criminal activity that had taken place while they were away.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the articles of the eyre were used to uncover criminal behavior and impose penalties. By asking specific questions, the justices could identify individuals who had broken the law and fine them accordingly. This helped to maintain law and order in the community and raise revenue for the Crown.