Research

Administrative History

Rough minutes document the progress of cases through the court, the court's method of operation, and the final determination of cases. The contents and format of this series reflect the court's unique composition (entire State Senate, Lieutenant Governor, Chancellor, and Supreme Court Justices) and its parliamentary procedures. Proposed actions were brought before the court on a motion of one member and presented in the form of a resolution. The resolution was debated, sometimes amended, and then voted upon. Because of these procedures, the rough minutes often resemble those of a legislative body rather than a court.