Assizes

Pronunciation: /əˈsɪzɪz/

Definitions of assizes

noun a court session held periodically in specific locations to administer justice in the name of the monarch

Example Sentences

A1 Assizes are legal proceedings held in certain countries.

A2 The assizes were conducted to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

B1 The judge presided over the assizes and delivered the verdict.

B2 During the assizes, witnesses were called to testify in court.

C1 The assizes were a significant event in the legal calendar.

C2 The assizes were conducted with great solemnity and adherence to legal procedures.

Examples of assizes in a Sentence

formal The assizes were held to hear criminal cases and civil disputes.

informal The assizes are coming up next week, so be prepared for jury duty.

slang I heard the assizes got postponed again, what a drag.

figurative The assizes of public opinion were clearly in favor of the defendant.

Grammatical Forms of assizes

• plural: assizes
• present tense: assizes
• future tense: will assize
• perfect tense: have assized
• continuous tense: is assizing
• singular: assize
• positive degree: assizes
• infinitive: to assize
• gerund: assizing
• participle: assized

Origin and Evolution of assizes

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'assizes' originated from the Old French word 'assise' meaning 'session' or 'sitting'. It was used in reference to the sessions of the court where legal cases were heard and judgments were passed.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'assizes' came to specifically refer to the sessions of the court that dealt with criminal cases and eventually became associated with the specific types of legal procedures and regulations that were followed during these sessions.