If you're curious about how the courts of England worked in the 19th century, you can't do better than the series below on "The State of the Law Courts." This series looks at the court system in general, which, it states, is the most expensive in the world, and then goes on to examine county courts, the bar, and criminal courts. Other articles in this section look at what types of cases can be tried in a county court, and what one can expect when summoned to jury duty (which seems not unlike the system today).

Popular Papers on English Law: Put Him in the County Court (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1878)

The types of claims that can be settled in a county court, and how to enter a plaint.

"In Chancery": Popular Papers on English Law (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

On an Old Bailey Jury (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1882)

Ought Trial by Jury Be Abolished? (Reader debate) (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1882)

Sketched in Court (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

What to Do in the County Court (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1885)

Gentlemen of the Jury, by Herbert E. Boyle (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1891)

The State of the Lawcourts, by Antony Guest (The Strand, 1891A)

A detailed and critical look at the state of the courts, including judges' salaries, and the many needs for reform. This four-part series looks at "The State of the Law Courts," "The County Court," "The Bar," and "The Criminal Courts."

Bench and Bar: A Stroll Through the Courts (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1895)

Journeyings of the Judges, by "Kasomo" (The Strand, 1895A)

Customs and traditions on the judges' circuits.

Witnesses and Their Ways, by Arthur T. Pask (Windsor Magazine, 1896A)

Some Circuit [Judge] Customs, by Michael Moscow (Windsor, 1898A)

Humour in the Law Courts (The Strand, 1899A)