Legal Definitions - court leet

Definition: Court leet was a feudal court responsible for receiving frankpledges and notices of criminal accusations. These courts had both governmental and judicial powers, but their importance declined after the justices in eyre began to take over serious criminal cases. The court met once or twice a year and was presided over by the lord's steward, a lawyer who acted as a judge.

Example: In medieval England, the court leet was responsible for maintaining law and order in the local community. It received reports of crimes and punished offenders. For example, if someone was caught stealing, they would be brought before the court leet and punished according to the law.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the court leet was responsible for maintaining law and order in the local community. It received reports of crimes and punished offenders. The court leet was an important institution in medieval England, and it played a crucial role in maintaining social order.