These regulations helped to keep the people of England the most backward in Europe; for though the division into shires and hundreds and tithings was common to them with the neighboring nations, yet the _frankpledge_ seems to be a peculiarity in the English Constitution; and for good reasons they have fallen into disuse, though still some traces of them are to be found in our laws.
[Sidenote: Hundred Court.] Ten of these tithings made an Hundred.

Here in ordinary course they held a monthly court for the centenary, when all the suitors of the subordinate tithings attended.

Here were determined causes concerning breaches of the peace, small debts, and such matters as rather required a speedy than a refined justice.
[Sidenote: County Court.] [Sidenote: Ealdorman and Bishop.] There was in the Saxon Constitution a great simplicity.

The higher order of courts were but the transcript of the lower, somewhat more extended in their objects and in their power; and their power over the inferior courts proceeded only from their being a collection of them all.

The County or Shire Court was the great resort for justice (for the four great courts of record did not then exist).