Legal Definitions - Court of Hustings

Definition: The Court of Hustings was a local court in England with the power to hear cases related to real estate and mixed actions. It was held in the Guildhall of London and presided over by the Recorder, the Lord Mayor, and Sheriff (who acted as honorary judges). This court has been in existence since before the Norman Conquest.

Example: A person who owned a piece of land in London could bring a case to the Court of Hustings if they believed someone else was claiming ownership of the same land. The court would hear both sides of the case and make a decision based on the evidence presented.

Explanation: The Court of Hustings had jurisdiction over cases related to real estate, which means it had the power to make decisions about who owned a particular piece of land or property. The court was held in the Guildhall of London, which was a central location for legal proceedings in the city. The Recorder, Lord Mayor, and Sheriff acted as judges, which means they listened to the evidence presented by both sides and made a decision based on the law.