Legal Definitions - Barons of the Exchequer

Barons of the Exchequer were the six judges who presided over the Court of Exchequer in England. Their main responsibility was to settle disputes related to the collection of public revenue.

After the transfer of the Court's jurisdiction to the High Court of Justice in 1873, the judges were known as justices of the High Court. The Court of Exchequer became the Exchequer Division of the High Court of Justice, and in 1881, it was merged into the Queen's Bench Division.

For example, if someone refused to pay taxes, the Barons of the Exchequer would hear the case and decide whether the person was legally obligated to pay. They would also determine the amount owed and any penalties that should be imposed.