oyer and terminer
The term "oyer and terminer" is derived from Anglo-Norman, meaning 'to hear and determine', and historically refers to courts or commissions authorized to handle serious criminal cases.
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Definition
C2Legal History
(archaic, historical)A commission or court authorized to hear and determine serious criminal cases.
Example
- The judge was appointed under a commission of oyer and terminer to preside over the trial.
C2American Legal History
(historical)A high criminal court in some U.S. states with jurisdiction over major criminal cases.
Example
- In the 19th century, the court of oyer and terminer in New York handled many high-profile cases.