Burlaw courts were customary or manorial courts that existed in England during the medieval period. The term "burlaw" is derived from two Old English words, "burh" meaning "borough" or "town," and "law" meaning "custom" or "law." Therefore, burlaw courts were local courts that administered justice and resolved disputes within a specific borough or town.
These courts were typically presided over by a "borough-reeve" or "borough-moot," who was an elected officer responsible for the administration of justice in the borough. The borough-reeve was usually assisted by a jury composed of local residents who had knowledge of the customs and laws of the town.
The jurisdiction of burlaw courts varied between different towns, but they largely dealt with matters such as civil disputes, minor criminal offenses, and the preservation of local customs and regulations. Common issues brought before burlaw courts included property disputes, breaches of local bylaws, offenses against public order, and matters concerning the regulation of trade and commerce within the town.
Burlaw courts played a significant role in maintaining law and order at the local level, and their decisions were based on customary laws and local traditions. However, with the gradual centralization of power in England, the authority of burlaw courts diminished, and they eventually lost their significance by the late medieval period. Today, the term "burlaw courts" is mainly of historical interest and represents a unique aspect of medieval English legal administration.
