SWAINMOTE
—is a peculiar court, appertaining solely to the LAWS of a forest, and held three times within the year. In this court the Verderers preside in the official capacity of Judges; for although the Warden, or his deputy, may take their seats in the court, they have no judicial authority there. The court of Swainmote may enquire of offences, receive informations, and proceed to conviction; but judgment is not within the limits of this court; their province extends no farther than to hear and convict; judgment cannot be given but from the judgment-seat, where the Justice in Eyre presides as chief officer; and all associated with him, are called Justices of the Forest. This court being a Court of Record, can fine and imprison for offences within the forest; and therefore if the judgment is conceived erroneous, the record may be removed by writ of error into the Court of King's Bench.