The Assize Court System in Medieval England and France

Assize (French: assise, from Latin: assidere, "to sit") was a court of law in medieval England and France. It was a travelling court that sat in different locations throughout the kingdom, hearing appeals and criminal cases. The term "assize" is still used in some legal contexts to refer to a court of appeal or a higher court.

In modern English, the word "assize" is not commonly used, except in historical or legal contexts. However, the word "assize" is still used in French to refer to a court of law, and it is also used in other languages such as Latin and Old French.

The concept of an assize was introduced to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The assize system was based on the French royal courts, and it was designed to provide a more efficient and centralized system of justice than the traditional local courts that had existed before the conquest. The assize system was administered by judges who travelled from place to place to hear cases, and it was supported by a network of officials and clerks who helped to record and enforce the court's decisions.

Over time, the assize system evolved into a more formalized and structured system of justice, with established procedures and rules for conducting trials. The assize courts heard a wide range of cases, including criminal cases, appeals from lower courts, and disputes over property and other legal matters. The assize system remained an important part of the English legal system until the 19th century, when it was gradually replaced by more modern and specialized court systems.