This is to prevent
extortion of defendants by false complaints. The justice shall
certify this examination to the King, on pain of a fine of 40s. A
bailiff of a hundred who does not do his duty to summon defendants
shall pay a fine of 40s. for each such default, after examination
by a Justice of the Peace. Sheriffs' records of fines imposed and
bailiffs' records of fines collected may be reviewed by a Justice
of the Peace to examine for deceit.
Any sheriff allowing a prisoner to escape, whether from negligence
or for a bribe, shall be fined, if the prisoner was indicted of
high treason, at least 1,333s. for each escape. However, if the
prisoner was in their keeping because of a suspicion of high
treason, the fine shall be at least 800s.; and if indicted of
murder or petite treason, at least 400s.; and if suspected of
murder or petite treason, 200s.; and if suspected of other
felonies, 100s. Petite treason was that by a wife to her husband
or a man to his lord.
Any person not responding to a summons for jury service shall be
fined 12d. for the first default, and 2s. for the second, and
double for each subsequent default.
A pauper may sue in any court and be assigned a attorney at no
cost to him.
A Justice of the Peace to whom has been reported hunting by
persons disguised with painted faces or visors or otherwise, may
issue a warrant for the sheriff or other county officer to arrest
such persons and bring them before the justice.
Pages:
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549