Legal Definitions - justice of the quorum

A justice of the quorum is a judge who is part of a panel that hears appeals. In Massachusetts, this panel is sometimes called a quorum. The term can also refer to a county justice or justice of the peace who was designated by the governor in a commission of peace and had to be present for a court to sit.

For example, if a person wants to appeal a decision made by a lower court, they may have their case heard by a panel of judges, including a justice of the quorum. In the past, a justice of the quorum was necessary for a court to be able to hold a session.

In England, the distinction of justice of the quorum was conferred on some or all of the justices of the peace in a county by directing that two or more of them must be specially named in the commission authorizing the holding of quarter sessions.

Overall, a justice of the quorum is an important member of a panel of judges who hears appeals and ensures that a court can hold a session.