Court Leet - The Jury and Officers

The Jury and Officers

Attendance at the Court Leet was often compulsory for those under its jurisdiction and some Courts still levy a nominal fine for non-attendance, 2p for example in the case of Laxton.

Court Leets generally had a jury formed from the freehold tenants, as bondsmen could not give an oath. The jury's role was similar to that of the doomsmen of the Anglo-Saxons and included electing the officers (other than the Steward who was appointed by the lord), bringing matters to the attention of the court and deciding on them.

The Officers of Courts Leet could include some or all of the following:

• Steward, the chief official of the lord of the manor, and a judge.
• Bailiff, summonsed the Jury and, if necessary, performed arrests, as well as generally supervising court matters.
• Constable (Tithingman), to ensure law and order during court sessions.
• Ale taster, to ensure the quality of ale, and to check that true measures are used.
• Carniters or "flesh tasters", to ensure the freshness of meat and poultry.
• Bread Weighers, responsible for verifying the freshness and weight of bread sold in the Manor.
• Affeerers, responsible for assessing amercements (setting the level of fines)
• Searcher and Sealer of Leather, to ensure the quality of leather goods.
• The Hayward, responsible for enclosures and fences on common land.
• Surveyor of the Highways or Overseer of Pavements, and Brook Looker, to ensure the proper condition of roads and waterways
• Mace Bearer
• Town Crier