Banc: Or bench, the British term for a higher court in which several judges sit on the bench (banc) to try a case themselves without a jury. Such a court can reverse a lower court's decision. The United States Supreme Court is the ultimate example.

Bar: Originally the bar was rail which formerly members and officers of the Court from all others in Court. Thus when a lawyer was "called to the bar" he was became a barrister, an officer of the Court and was allowed to act during a trial.

Brief: When a case is prepared for a court trial a document called a "brief" which sets down the facts of the case with suggestions for the trial. In England a solicitor prepares the brief which is then turned over to a barrister who serves at the trial.

Booby: A dummy as in booby prize or booby trap. The Judge, as a beginner without a reputation, had trouble finding cases to try and had to buy one from a solicitor or another barrister too stupid to realize he would probably lose the case.

Westminster Hall: The Courts of Law met at Westminster from medieval times until 1883

Bailey and Middlesex Sessions: The "Old Bailey" is the chief Criminal Court in England and deals with major criminal cases from Greater London and from other parts of England. Its name comes from the fact that it stands on the site of the medieval Newgate Prison, which was built by the old city wall or Bailey of medieval London. The Middlesex Sessions is another criminal court for the County of Middlesex.

Gurneys: Samuel Gurney was a nineteenth century banker and philanthropist.

Incubus: An evil spirit or leech-like person.

Job: A shady deal.

Nob: Short for nabab, an Indian word for someone important.

Fob: A very small pocket just big enough to hold a watch. It would not hold much money so Edwin would not have to pay much in damages

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Revised January 2009
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