assizes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Historical, Legal
Quick answer
What does “assizes” mean?
Periodic court sessions held historically in English counties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Periodic court sessions held historically in English counties.
The term refers specifically to the former court sittings held by itinerant judges in England and Wales, dealing with civil and criminal cases. By extension, it can sometimes refer metaphorically to any formal judgment or tribunal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to British legal history. In American English, it is almost exclusively used in historical contexts related to British history or literature. There was no direct equivalent institution in U.S. history.
Connotations
In UK, connotes medieval/early-modern history, the judiciary touring the country, and famous trials. In US, the term is mainly recognized from historical novels or legal history texts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage in both varieties, but marginally higher in UK due to local history and place names (e.g., 'Assize Courts' buildings).
Grammar
How to Use “assizes” in a Sentence
The assizes were held in [Location]The judge presided over the assizesHe was tried at the assizes for [Crime]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “assizes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The assize courts were grand buildings.
- Assize records are kept in the archives.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, legal history, and literature studies discussing medieval/early modern England.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific technical term in English legal history; obsolete in modern practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “assizes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “assizes”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'an assize' is rare). Using it to refer to modern courts. Mispronouncing as /æˈsaɪzɪz/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the assize courts were abolished in England and Wales by the Courts Act 1971. The term is now purely historical.
Assizes were held by itinerant royal judges (justices of assize) and dealt with serious crimes (felonies) and major civil cases. Quarter sessions were local courts held four times a year by justices of the peace, dealing with lesser offences.
No, it would be incorrect and anachronistic. Use terms like 'trial', 'court hearing', or 'court session' instead.
It typically refers to the series of court sessions or the sittings themselves, hence the plural form is standard. The singular 'assize' was used for a specific ordinance or decree, or a single session.
Periodic court sessions held historically in English counties.
Assizes is usually formal, historical, legal in register.
Assizes: in British English it is pronounced /əˈsaɪzɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈsaɪzɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The great assize (theological term for the Last Judgment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a judge SIZing up the situation in different towns during the ASSIZES.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A JOURNEY (judges travelling on circuit); FINAL JUDGMENT IS A COURT SESSION (theological).
Practice
Quiz
What were the 'assizes' primarily?