franchise court

franchise court. Hist. A privately held court that (usu.) exists by virtue of a royal grant, with jurisdiction over a variety of matters, depending on the grant and whatever powers the court acquires over time. • In 1274, Edward I abolished many of these feudal courts by forcing the nobility to demonstrate by what authority […]

Hist. A privately held court that (usu.) exists by virtue of a royal grant, with jurisdiction over a variety of matters, depending on the grant and whatever powers the court acquires over time. • In 1274, Edward I abolished many of these feudal courts by forcing the nobility to demonstrate by what authority (quo warranto)