Legal Definitions - borough reeve

Definition: A borough reeve is a person who is responsible for the administration of a borough. They are similar to a mayor or a town manager.

Example: In medieval England, the borough reeve was responsible for maintaining law and order in the town. They were also responsible for collecting taxes and ensuring that the town's infrastructure was in good condition.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the borough reeve was an important figure in medieval England. They had a wide range of responsibilities, including maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and ensuring that the town's infrastructure was in good condition. This shows that the borough reeve played a crucial role in the administration of a borough.

Definition: Borough sessions are criminal court sessions held before a municipal recorder. They are similar to a trial in a regular court, but they are held specifically for cases that occur within a borough.

Example: In the 19th century, borough sessions were held in many towns and cities in England. They were presided over by a municipal recorder and were used to try cases that occurred within the borough. For example, if someone was accused of stealing from a shop in the town, they would be tried in the borough sessions.

Explanation: The example illustrates how borough sessions were used to try criminal cases that occurred within a borough. They were presided over by a municipal recorder, who acted as a judge. This shows that borough sessions were an important part of the criminal justice system in many towns and cities in England.