Local Courts
Local Courts had civil jurisdiction in matters involving less than five pounds sterling. The local constable and two local overseers presided.
Era Category: Important Cases - British Rule
The Court of Chancery, 1691-1776
The Court of Chancery consisted of the Governor or his appointed and the Council. The court had the powers of the English Chancery and … More The Court of Chancery, 1691-1776 »
The Court of Exchequer
The Court of Exchequer (also called the Court of Judicature) consisted of the Governor and Council.
The Supreme Court of Judicature, 1691-1776
The Supreme Court of Judicature consisted of a Chief Justice, a Second Justice and three Associate Justices commissioned under royal warrant. It had the … More The Supreme Court of Judicature, 1691-1776 »
Court of Oyer and Terminer, 1788-1895
In 1788, the justices were required to convene criminal courts (Oyer and Terminer) during the terms of the Circuit Court. The Court of Oyer … More Court of Oyer and Terminer, 1788-1895 »
The Prerogative Court
The Prerogative Court consisted of the Governor with the Secretary as Registrar, and had the power to grant probate or administration of estates. The … More The Prerogative Court »
Court of Sessions, 1684-1688
The Court of Sessions consisted of three local Justices of the Peace who held session twice a year in each county and more frequently … More Court of Sessions, 1684-1688 »
The Petty Courts
The Petty Courts were set up in each town and three officials appointed by the Governor held session on the first Wednesday of every … More The Petty Courts »
Forsey v. Cunningham, 1764
On July 29, 1763, an altercation broke out between two respectable business men, one armed with a sword and the other with a horsewhip. … More Forsey v. Cunningham, 1764 »
Crown v. William Prendergast, 1766
Background The manorial system of land tenure, first introduced to New York by the Dutch, was continued under English rule. Patents to huge tracts … More Crown v. William Prendergast, 1766 »