Catalogue description Assizes: Midland Circuit: Indictment Files

Until 1916, these indictments are on parchment. They give the name of the defendant, together with the charge and they are often annotated with details of plea and verdict.

Before 1916 the indictments are regularly accompanied by commissions of gaol delivery, certificates of convictions and printed calendars of prisoners' listing: the name, age, trade, and level of education of defendant; the name and address of the committing magistrate; the date of warrant of commitment; the date the defendant was received into custody; the offence; when tried; the name of the judge; the verdict; any previous convictions; the sentence. Such documents are regularly marked 'confidential for use of officers of the public service'.

Also included before 1916 are lists of prosecutors and witnesses, often also giving occupation (always if the person concerned was a solicitor, doctor or police officer) together with details of their attendance and journeys and the attendance and travelling expenses subsequently awarded to them. These lists also give the name and address of the prosecuting solicitor, together with an account of his professional charges.

After 1916, as a result of the Indictments Act 1915 (5 & 6 Geo V, c 90), they are typed or handwritten on standard (usually pre-printed) forms and give the jurisdiction and venue of the trial, the name of the defendant, the plea, a summary statement of the charge or charges, particulars of the charge or charges, and, where applicable, details of the defendant's previous criminal record. The name of the presiding judge, the date of trial, the verdict and the sentence are also recorded. Like earlier indictments they are endorsed with a list of witnesses. Coroners' inquisitions are also included, and the indictments are sometimes accompanied by notices of appeal.

For criminal depositions and papers relating to these cases see:

ASSI 13