Legal Definitions - terminer

Definition: Terminer is a legal term that refers to the process of hearing and determining a case. It is often used in the context of a commission or court of oyer and terminer.

Commission of Oyer and Terminer: A commission of oyer and terminer is a group of officials appointed to hear and determine cases. For example, in medieval England, commissions of oyer and terminer were often appointed to investigate and prosecute cases of treason.

Court of Oyer and Terminer: A court of oyer and terminer is a court that has the power to hear and determine criminal cases. For example, in the United States, some states have courts of oyer and terminer that are responsible for trying serious criminal cases.

These examples illustrate how the term "terminer" is used in the context of legal proceedings. When a case is brought before a commission or court of oyer and terminer, the officials involved will hear the evidence presented and make a determination about the outcome of the case.