COURT ROLL Meaning and
Definition
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A court roll is a historical document that serves as a record or register of legal proceedings, primarily pertaining to court matters. It is an essential part of legal historical archives, particularly in medieval and early modern times. The term "court roll" originated in England, where it referred to the official record of proceedings held in manorial courts or royal courts.
The court roll contains detailed information about court cases, hearings, and decisions made by the court. It typically includes the names of the parties involved, their legal representatives, the charges or disputes being presented, and the judgment or verdict rendered by the court. These records were maintained by court clerks or other officials responsible for recording and archiving court proceedings.
The court roll not only provides insights into individual legal cases but also sheds light on the legal system, customs, and social structures of the time. It is a valuable historical resource for researchers, legal scholars, and genealogists, offering glimpses into land ownership, tenancies, feudal relations, and various types of legal disputes.
In modern times, court rolls are generally preserved in historical archives or libraries. They are often accessed by historians, researchers, or individuals exploring their family history. The careful study and analysis of court rolls contribute to a deeper understanding of legal processes, social hierarchy, and the development of legal systems throughout history.
Common Misspellings for COURT ROLL
- xourt roll
- vourt roll
- fourt roll
- dourt roll
- ciurt roll
- ckurt roll
- clurt roll
- cpurt roll
- c0urt roll
- c9urt roll
- coyrt roll
- cohrt roll
- cojrt roll
- coirt roll
- co8rt roll
- co7rt roll
- couet roll
- coudt roll
- couft roll
- coutt roll
Etymology of COURT ROLL
The term "court roll" has a straightforward etymology.
The word "court" comes from the Latin word "cohors" meaning "an enclosed yard" or "a company of people". It later evolved into French as "cour" and was borrowed into English. In a legal context, "court" refers to a place where legal proceedings are held or the body of a judge or judges who preside over such proceedings.
The word "roll" has its roots in Old English as "rolla" and came to describe a document or record that is rolled or scrolled up. It is derived from the verb "rollian", which means "to roll". Over time, it came to be associated with official records and lists.
Thus, the term "court roll" specifically refers to an official record or document containing the proceedings and decisions of a court.
