Legal Definitions - magna assisa

Magna Assisa

Magna Assisa is a Latin term used in law history to refer to the grand assize. The grand assize is a sworn panel summoned by judicial writ to resolve disputes concerning real property. It was instituted by Henry II in the 12th century as an alternative to trial by battle. The procedure involves a jury trial to determine questions of ownership.

• John and Mary are disputing the ownership of a piece of land. They decide to go to court and have a Magna Assisa to determine who owns the land.
• Henry II instituted the Magna Assisa in the 12th century as an alternative to trial by battle.

These examples illustrate how Magna Assisa is a legal procedure used to resolve disputes concerning real property. It involves a jury trial to determine questions of ownership and was instituted as an alternative to trial by battle.