Legal Definitions - Court of Sweinmote

Definition: The Court of Sweinmote was a medieval forest court that had jurisdiction over various matters, including the right to graze animals during the summer when deer were fawning. The court was made up of forest freeholders, known as sweins, who acted as the jury. Over time, the court's jurisdiction expanded, and it became similar in form to the eyre courts.

Example: In the 14th century, the Court of Sweinmote had the power to hear cases related to forest law, such as poaching, trespassing, and illegal logging. The court also had the authority to impose fines and other penalties on those found guilty of breaking the law.

Explanation: This example illustrates how the Court of Sweinmote had a broad jurisdiction over matters related to the forest. The court was responsible for enforcing forest law and punishing those who violated it. The sweins, who were freeholders in the forest, acted as the jury and helped to decide the outcome of cases.