BOROUGH SESSIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Borough Sessions refer to a legal term used primarily in the United Kingdom to define a type of court hearing and judicial procedure. A borough session is a local court session held within a borough, which is a specific administrative division or district within a city or town. These sessions are typically presided over by the local magistrates or justices of the peace.
During borough sessions, various criminal cases are heard and decided upon by the magistrates. These cases may involve a wide range of offenses, including but not limited to theft, assault, public order offenses, and minor misdemeanors. The purpose of these sessions is to ensure that justice is administered at a local level and to handle matters that do not warrant the intervention of higher courts.
Borough sessions are generally held on a regular schedule, usually monthly or quarterly, and are open to the public. They provide an opportunity for defendants, witnesses, and legal representatives to present their cases, submit evidence, and provide testimony. Sentencing and the setting of appropriate penalties also take place during these sessions.
The decisions and judgments made during borough sessions are binding and legally enforceable. However, in more serious or complex cases, they may be subject to appeal or transfer to higher courts for further review. Nevertheless, borough sessions serve as an integral part of the criminal justice system, ensuring the fair and efficient resolution of local criminal matters within a specific borough or district.
Etymology of BOROUGH SESSIONS
The etymology of the word "borough sessions" can be traced back to Middle English and Norman French influences.
The term "borough" originated from the Old English word "burh", which referred to an enclosed fortified place or town. In medieval England, boroughs were administrative units that had their own local government and courts.
The word "sessions" comes from the Old French word "seçon", which means "a sitting" or "a session". In the context of legal proceedings, "sessions" refers to the regular meetings of a court where cases are heard and decided.
When combined, "borough sessions" refers to the court sessions held within a borough. These sessions were typically held by justices of the peace who presided over criminal cases in the borough, handling various matters such as petty crimes, public order offenses, and sometimes civil disputes.
