Consistory Court

In English law. The courts of diocesan bishops held in their several cathedrals before the bishops' chancellor, or commissary, who is the judge, for the trial of all ecclesiastical causes arising within their respective dioceses, and also for granting probates and administrations. From the sentence of these courts an appeal lies to the archbishop of each province respectively. 2 Steph. Comm. 230, 237; 3 Steph. Comm. 430, 431; 3 Bl. Comm. 641; 1 Wooddeson, Lect. 145; Halifax, Anal. bk. 3, c. 10, note 12.

The courts of diocesan bishops held in their several cathedrals {before the bishop's chancellor, or commissary, who is the judge) for the trial of all ecclesiastical causes arising within their respective dioceses, and also for granting probates and administrations. Originally the "Chancellor" or "Official" of the bishop usually presided. In time he came to be a permanent judge, but the bishop could withdraw cases from his cognizance and hear them himself, or delegate jurisdiction over certain parts of the diocese to his "commissary"; 1 Holdsw. Hist. E. L. 369, citing L. R. 1902, 1 K. B. 816. A Consistory Court of London still exists. From the sentence of these courts an appeal files to the Provincial Court of the archbishop of each province respectively. 2 Steph. Com. 230; 3 id. 430; 3 Bla. Com. 64; 1 Woodd. Lect 145; Halifax, An. b. 3, c. 10, n. 12. C0NS0LAT0 DEL MARE. See Code.

In English ecclesiastical law. A court held by every diocesan bishop in their several cathedrals, for the trial of all ecclesiastical causes arising within their respective dioceses; and also for granting probates and administrations. 3 BL Com. 64. 3 Steph. Com. 430, 431. 1 Wooddes. Lect 86. It is held before the bishop's chancellor, or his commissary. Hal Ufax Anal. b. 3, ch. 10, nu. 12.