A half French phrase applied in England to the assizes, which are so called from the commis- sion of oyer and terminer directed to the judges, empowering them to “inquire, hear, and determine” all treasons, felonies, and misdemeanors. This commission is now is- sued regularly, but was formerly used only on particular occasions, as upon sudden out- rage or insurrection in any place. In the United States , the higher criminal courts are called “courts of oyer and terminer.” Bur- rill.
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