Ecclesiastical Courts

In English ecclesiastical law. The generic name for certain courts in England, having cognizance mainly of spiritual matters. Also called "Courts Christian." The jurisdiction which they formerly exercised in testamentary and matrimonial causes has been taken away. St. 20 & 21 Vict. c. 77, § 3, c. 85, § 2; 21 & 22 Vict. c. 95. See 3 Bl. Comm. 67. They consist of the archdeacon's court, the consistory courts, the court of arches, the court of peculiars, the prerogative courts of the two archbishops, the faculty court, and, on appeal, the privy council.

A system of couris in England, held by authority of the sovereign, and having jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the religion and rifual of the established church, and the rights, duties, and discipline of ecclesiastical persons as such. They are as follows: The archdeacon's court, consistory court, court of arches, court of peculiars, prerogative court, court of delegates, court of convocation, court of audience, court of faculties, and court of commissioners of review. See those several titles; and see 3 Bl. Comm. 64-68. Equitable Life Assur. Soc. v. Paterson, 41 Ga. 364, 5 Am. Rep. 535

Defined under Ecclesiastical in Black's Law Dictionary.

Asystem of courts in England, held by authority of the sovereign, and having jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the religion and ritual of the established church, and the rights, duties, and discipline of ecclesiastical persons as such. They are as follows: The archdeacon'’s court, consistory court, court of arches, court of peculiars, prerogative court, court of delegates, court of convocation, court of audience, court of faculties, and court of commissioners of review. See those several titles; and see 3 Bl. Comm. 64-68. ECCLESIASTICAL DIVISION OF

[L. Lat. curiae christianitatis.] Courts held in England by the king's authority, as supreme head of the church, for the consideration of matters chiefly relating to religion. Jacob. Tomlins. 4 Inst. 221. They are the archdeacon's court, the consistory court, the court of arches, the court of peculiars, the prerogative court, and the privy council, which is the great court of appeal. 2 Chitt. Gen. Pr. 494. Wharton's Lex. See Archdeacon's court, and the other titles.

Engl. law, are courts held by the king’s authority as supreme governor of the church, for matters which chiefly concern religion. These six courts which may be ranged under this class; 1. The Archdeacon’s court; 2. The Consistory court; 3. The Court of Arches; 4. The Court of Peculiars; 5. The Prerogative court; and, 6. The Court of Delegates, which is the great court of appeals in all ecclesjastical causes.