Inquest Act 1267

Statutes made at Marlborough, alias Marleberge, 18 Novemb. Anno 52 HEN. III. and Anno Dom. 1267.

Inquest Act 1267

1267 (52 Hen. 3) C A P. XXIV.

IN the Year of Grace, One thousand two hundred sixty seven, the two and fiftieth Year of the Reign of King HENRY, Son of King JOHN, in the Utas of St. Martin, the said King our Lord providing for the better Estate of his Realm of England, and for the more speedy Ministration of Justice, as belongeth to the Office of a King, the more discreet Men of the Realm being called together, as well of the higher as of the lower Estate: It was provided, agreed, and ordained, that whereas the Realm of England of late had been disquieted with manifold Troubles and Dissensions; for Reformation whereof Statutes and Laws be right necessary, whereby the Peace and Tranquillity of the People*2 must be observed:Wherein the King, intending to devise convenient Remedy, hath made these Acts, Ordinances, and Statutes underwritten, which he willeth to be observed for ever firmly and inviolably of all his Subjects, as well high as low.

For what Causes Townships ought to be amerced. THE Justices in Eyre from henceforth shall not amerce Townships in their Circuits, because all being twelve Years old came not afore the Sheriffs and Coroners, to make Inquiry of Robberies, Burnings of Houses, or other Things pertaining to the Crown; so that there come sufficient out of those Towns, by whom such Enquests may be made full: except Enquests for the Death of Man, whereat all being twelve Years of Age, ought to appear, unless they have reasonable Cause of Absence.'

Amercement of Towns in Eyre. ''Just. in Eyre.'' Enquests of the Death of Man. ''Fitz. Wast, 11, 39, 53, 66, 72, 73, 101, 103, 120. 2 Inst. 147.''

Note : this act is listed in the Chronological Table of Statutes as theInquest Act, 1267