serjeant
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A serjeant-at-law was a member of a former class of barristers who held the highest rank within the legal profession. This title dates back to at least 1503. A variant spelling, "sergeant-at-law," also exists. In London, a "common serjeant" is a judicial officer who assists the recorder. Historically, "sergeanty" referred to a form of land tenure in feudal society, granted in exchange for specific services to a lord, which could include artisan work, domestic service, or even military duties. These landholders, known as sergeants, often had privileges similar to free vassals, even if they originated from a lower social class.1234
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legal professionEngland after the ConquestMore particularly, they could become serjeants—the most dignified of the advocates, from whom alone after about 1300 the royal judges were appointed. Various agents for litigation resembling procurators also became known. The “attorneys,” authorized by legislation, at first shared the life of the Inns with the “apprentices” in advocacy, who…
Read MoreMore particularly, they could become serjeants—the most dignified of the advocates, from whom alone after about 1300 the royal judges were appointed. Various agents for litigation resembling procurators also became known. The “attorneys,” authorized by legislation, at first shared the life of the Inns with the “apprentices” in advocacy, who…
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The English serjeants lived magnificently, especially in Elizabethan times, and the French Ordre des Avocats was established (14th century) by feudal aristocrats in circumstances reminiscent of early Rome—including an insistence on receiving gifts rather than fees. The early Italian doctors of civil and canon law (12th–15th centuries)…
Read MoreThe English serjeants lived magnificently, especially in Elizabethan times, and the French Ordre des Avocats was established (14th century) by feudal aristocrats in circumstances reminiscent of early Rome—including an insistence on receiving gifts rather than fees. The early Italian doctors of civil and canon law (12th–15th centuries)…
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