Quarter Sessions: Leeds

Leeds had powers to hold its own sessions of the peace from the charter of 13 July 1626 (WYAS Reference LL1/1) and exercised them from the later 17th century. The charter issued 2 November 1661 (WYAS Reference LL1/2) on the restoration of the monarchy clearly defines the Leeds Court of Quarter Sessions, to be held separately from the Quarter Sessions of the West Riding of Yorkshire. This privilege was abolished by the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835 but was restored by the charter of William IV, 3 June 1836 (WYAS Reference LL1/5).

Leeds continued to have its own Quarter Sessions until 1971, at which time the three tier criminal court system of Assize Courts, Quarter Sessions and Petty Sessions was abolished and replaced by a two tier system of Crown Court and Magistrates Courts.

The following is a list of records for the Leeds Court of Quarter Sessions held by WYAS Leeds.