quarter sessions

noun

, Law.

1. an English court of general criminal jurisdiction for crimes less than homicide, held quarterly.
2. (in the U.S.) a court with limited criminal jurisdiction, having local administrative powers in some states.

quarter sessions

noun

1. (in England and Wales, formerly) a criminal court held four times a year before justices of the peace or a recorder, empowered to try all but the most serious offences and to hear appeals from petty sessions. Replaced in 1972 by crown courts See also crown court Compare assizes
2. (in Scotland, formerly) a court held by justices of the peace four times a year, empowered to hear appeals from justice of the peace courts and to deal with some licensing matters: abolished in 1975

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarter sessions¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Both in the superior courts and at quarter sessions severe penalties were inflicted.

From Project Gutenberg

The recorder sits as sole judge of the court of quarter sessions of the borough.

From Project Gutenberg

And where the borough has a separate court of quarter sessions the council appoint Sheriff, coroner.

From Project Gutenberg

Where, however, the borough has a court of quarter sessions, the county justices have no jurisdiction within the borough.

From Project Gutenberg

But the question about the Quarter-Sessions was by no means settled.

From Project Gutenberg