Legal Definitions - assize

An assize is a session of a court or council. It can also refer to a law enacted by such a body, usually one setting the measure, weight, or price of a thing.

• Maiden assize: An assize in which no prisoner is sentenced to death.
• Assize of Arms: An 1181 statute requiring every man to keep arms suitable to his station in life.
• Assize of Clarendon: A decree issued in 1166 by Henry II to the justices in eyre and sheriffs concerning criminal procedure.
• Grand assize: A sworn panel summoned by judicial writ to resolve disputes concerning real property.
• Petite assize: An assize begun by an original writ.

These examples illustrate the different types of assizes that existed in English law. For instance, the Assize of Arms required every man to keep arms suitable to his station in life. The Grand Assize was a sworn panel summoned by judicial writ to resolve disputes concerning real property. The Petite Assize was an assize begun by an original writ.