Rules and guidance for Court Members in carrying out their duties
The Ashburton Courts Leet and Baron are one of the last remaining Courts explicitly authorised to appoint a Portreeve and other Officers and share with Southampton and Bideford the right of making Presentments with respect to matters of local concern. As in the past, these matters take place on Annual Court and Law Day, held on the fourth Tuesday in November. Though these Courts have no legal or administrative functions within local government they have a means of influencing the local authorities for the good of the town through the presentments they make.
Maintaining our Traditions
After the Norman Conquest many boroughs got permission for their Court Leet to elect their Portreeve as is done in Ashburton to this day.
To help meet their statutory obligations and faithfully maintain Ashburton's important traditions, the Courts Leet and Baron are guided by a comprehensive rule book that sets out the timing and procedures for all required Courts meetings and events.
Guidance Notes for the Portreeve & Bailiff
The Portreeve and Bailiff are usually in office for no more than a year and so may have little opportunity to become fully familiar with every detail of their responsibilities. To help them carry out their duties there is a short set of guidance notes which briefly cover all important aspects of the roles.