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In English ecclesiastical law. A court held before a judge appointed by the archdeacon, and called his official. Its jurisdiction comprises the granting of probates and administrations, and ecclesiastical causes in general, arising within the archdeaconry. It is the most Inferior court in the whole ecclesiastical polity of England. 3 Bl. Comm. 64; 3 Steph. Comm. 430. … [Read more...] about ARCHDEACON'S COURT

A senator, or a judge of the Areopagus. Solon first established the Areopagites; although some say, they were established in the time of Cecrops, (Anno Mundi, 2553,) the year that Aaron, the brother of Moses, died; that Draco abolished the order, and Solon reestablished it. Demosthenes, in his harangue against Aristocrates, before the Areopagus, speaks of the founders of that … [Read more...] about AREOPAGITE

(1) Also sometimes referred to as an arbiter, this is the adjudicating and presiding person to whom a dispute has been submitted for arbitration. (2) A private extraordinary judge chosen by the parties who have a matter in dispute, invested with power to decide the same. Arbitrators are so called because they have generally an arbitrary power, there being in common no appeal … [Read more...] about ARBITRATOR

In feudal law. A service of keeping a bow for the lord's use in the defense of his castle. Co. Litt 157. … [Read more...] about ARCHERY

A tribunal established in ancient Athens, bore this name. It is variously represented; some considered as having been a model of justice and perfection, while others look upon it as an aristocratic court, which had a very extended jurisdiction over all crimes and offences, and which exercised an absolute power. … [Read more...] about AREOPAGUS