JUSTICES OF ASSIZE, were such as were wont by special commission to be sent into this or that county to take assizes for the ease of the subjects. For, whereas these actions pass always by jury, so many men might not without great damage and charge be brought up to London; and therefore justices, for this purpose, by commissions particularly authorized, were sent down to them. These continue to pass the circuit by two and two twice every year through all England, except the four northern counties, where they go only once, dispatching their several businesses by several commissions; for they have one commission to take assizes, another to deliver gaols, and another of oyer and terminer. In London and Middlesex a court of general gaol-delivery is held eight times in the year.
All the justices of peace of any county wherein the assizes are held, are bound by law to attend them, or else are liable to a fine; in order to return recognizances, &c. and to assist the judges in such matters as lie within their knowledge and jurisdiction, and in which some of them have been probably concerned, by way of previous examination. See ASSIZES and JURY.