Research


Scope and Content Note

This series constitutes a full record of the judicial proceedings in such equity matters as foreclosure (the majority of cases), divorce, marital separation, dower rights, partitions of real property, injunctions against the performance of certain acts, and the settlement of legacies. With the decree (similar to the judgment in a law court) are usually filed additional papers which show the step-by-step process of equity litigation and the history of the case. Typical documents in addition to decrees and final orders include bills of foreclosure, answers to charges, reports of the Masters in Chancery, and subpoenas. The dates of decrees recorded on paper overlap those recorded in volumes, suggesting a gradual change in the work processes of the court.