Cosby v. Van Dam, 1733
In 1732, King George II of Great Britain appointed William Cosby Governor of the Provinces of New York. In the thirteen months that elapsed … More Cosby v. Van Dam, 1733 »
Era Category: Important Cases - British Rule
Crown v. John Peter Zenger, 1735
The New York Gazette was founded in 1725 and for many years was the Province’s only newspaper. It was published by the public printer, … More Crown v. John Peter Zenger, 1735 »
Trials Relating to the New York Slave Insurrection, 1741
In 1741, New York had a population of around 10,000 people, some 2,000 of whom were slaves. In a winter of harsh weather, food … More Trials Relating to the New York Slave Insurrection, 1741 »
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 »
The Court of Assizes
The Court of Assizes was composed of the Governor, the Council and the Justices of the Peace in attendance. The Court of Assizes convened … More The Court of Assizes »
Court of Sessions, 1665-1684
Court of Sessions sat twice a year in each of the three Ridings of Yorkshire and had criminal and civil jurisdiction. The bench was … More Court of Sessions, 1665-1684 »
Mayor’s Court
Mayor's Court composed of the Mayor and four Aldermen had the same civil jurisdiction as the Court of Sessions within the City of New … More Mayor’s Court »