Volume 1

Microcosm of London / [Anon].

Date:: [1808-1811]

Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Microcosm of London / [Anon]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

217/248 page 205

The court is represented in the plate as employed in the examination of bail. The Israelite, with his gold-lace coat, that would “ burn for the money,” is well contrasted with his round-bellied co-bail. How like a fawning publican he looks! Shakspeare. There is a considerable degree of spirit and variety in the attitudes of the whole assembly, which induces a belief, that something interesting engages its attention. COURT OF KING’S BENCH Is situate in the south-east corner of Westminster Hall, opposite the Court of Chancery. It is the supreme common law court in England, and is so called because the king formerly sat there in person: indeed, in all the courts the king is supposed (in contemplation of law) to be always present. This court consists of a chief justice and three puisne judges. After the dissolution of the Aula Regis, King Edward I. frequently sat in this court; and in later times, James I. who was reminded by the chief justice, that he ought not even to de- liver an opinion. The jurisdiction of this court is very high. It keeps other courts within their respective bounds, and may either remove their proceedings, or prohibit

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