Research

Scope and Content Note

This series contains writs summoning jurors for trials at which a justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature presided. The writ of venire facias juratores commands the sheriff to summon individuals qualified to serve as jurors in the trial of a particular case. Almost all the writs were returned to the court by the sheriff of New York County. A very small number of the earliest writs are for trials in other counties. Starting in spring 1823, all the writs are for jury trials in the Circuit Court sitting in New York City and County. A few writs have an attached panel of jurors stating their names, residences, and sometimes occupations.