JUSTICES IN EYRE, (justitiorum itinerantes, or errantes), were those who were anciently sent with commission into divers counties to hear such causes especially as were termed pleas of the crown; and that for the ease of the subject, who must else have been hurried to the courts of Westminster, if the causes were too high for the county courts.
According to some, these justices were sent once in seven years; but others suppose that they were sent oftener. Camden says, they were instituted in the reign of King Henry II. A. D. 1184; but they appear to be of an older date.
They were somewhat like our justices of assize at this day, though for authority and manner of proceeding very different.