PETTY SESSIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Petty Sessions, also known as summary courts or magistrates' courts, refer to the lower level courts found in many English-speaking countries. In these jurisdictions, petty sessions are responsible for handling minor criminal offenses and civil matters. The term "petty" derives from the type of cases typically heard in these courts, which involve less serious offenses and disputes compared to those handled by higher courts.
Petty sessions are presided over by one or more magistrates or justices of the peace, who are usually laypeople with legal training or experience. The magistrates are responsible for making decisions on cases presented before them, including determining guilt or innocence and handing out appropriate punishments or fines. They also handle administrative duties pertaining to serving warrants, issuing summonses, and granting licenses.
These courts primarily deal with criminal offenses such as traffic violations, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and minor assaults. Additionally, they may handle civil matters such as small claims cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and family law matters, including child custody and support issues. However, more serious crimes or complex civil suits are typically outside their jurisdiction and are transferred to higher courts.
Petty sessions serve as a vital component of the legal system, providing a relatively swift and accessible avenue for resolving minor legal matters in a local community. They uphold the principle of justice, offer a forum for citizens to seek legal redress, and ensure an efficient process for handling less significant offenses.
Common Misspellings for PETTY SESSIONS
- oetty sessions
- letty sessions
- 0etty sessions
- pwtty sessions
- pstty sessions
- pdtty sessions
- prtty sessions
- p4tty sessions
- p3tty sessions
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- pefty sessions
- pegty sessions
- peyty sessions
- pe6ty sessions
- pe5ty sessions
- petry sessions
- petfy sessions
- petgy sessions
- petyy sessions
- pet6y sessions
Etymology of PETTY SESSIONS
The term "petty sessions" originates from English legal terminology. It is derived from the Middle English word "petite", meaning small or minor, which in turn comes from the Old French word "petit". The word "sessions" refers to the meetings or court sittings where legal matters are addressed.
The concept of "petty sessions" emerged in medieval England when local justices of the peace began to hold informal court hearings to deal with minor criminal offenses and civil disputes. These sessions were conducted at regular intervals (usually weekly or monthly) in local communities, hence the term "sessions". The term "petty" was used to emphasize the limited jurisdiction and authority of these courts compared to higher courts that dealt with more serious matters.
Over time, petty sessions became an integral part of the English legal system, allowing local magistrates to handle various local legal matters efficiently.
