CHAP. III.
Civil Pleas are divided into such as are discussed and determined in the King’s Court only, and such as fall within the Jurisdiction of the Sheriffs of Counties. In the former Court, are discussed and determined, all such Pleas as concern Baronies, Advowsons of Churches, questions of condition, Dower, when the Woman has been entirely debarred from receiving it; for breach of Fine made in the King’s Court; concerning the performing of Homage, and the receiving of Reliefs, and concerning Purprestures,[40] and Debts owing by lay persons. These Pleas, indeed, relate to the propriety of the thing only: concerning those which refer to the possession, and which are discussed and decided by Recognitions,[41] we shall speak in their proper place.