Note 313 — Book VIII.

A similar description occurs in the Reg. Maj. (L. 1. c. 27.) and in Bracton. (L. 2. tr. 5. c. 28.) Lord Coke quotes the latter, as well as the passage in the text, as correct. “This,” observes Mr. Hargrave, “though a just description of fines, according to their original and still apparent import, yet gives a very inadequate idea of them in their modern application. In Glanville’s time, they were really amicable compositions of actual Suits. But for several centuries past fines have been only so in name.” (Co. Litt. 121. a. and note 1.) “For the antiquity of Fines,” says Lord Coke, “it is certain, they were frequent before the Conquest.” (2 Inst. 511.)