1361: Quarter Sessions Organized Keepers of the Peace were elevated to Justices and empowered to determine cases as well as to bring them. Quarterly sittings commenced during 1363. The courts were empowered to try criminal cases and settle matters related to county administration, e.g. requirements pursuant to Poor Law, appeals to settlements and removals of the populace, granting of recognizances, administering militia substitutions and repair of highways and bridges.