ASSESSORS may be defined as persons who are sometimes associated with judicial functionaries, to assist in the argument and procedure before them, and to advise their judgments. They are called •., because, according to the Latin derivation and literal meaning of the word, they sit side by side with others. They may be usefully employed by persons in judicial stations whose previous education and pursuits scarcely qualify them for the duties cast upon them. A. are usually barristers or advocates learned in the law, and familiar with judicial proceedings. By the 5 and 6 William IV. c. 76, commonly called the municipal corporation act, it is, by section 37, enacted that the burgesses shall annually elect from among those qualified to be counselors, two auditors and two A., the former to audit the accounts of the burgh, and the latter to revise the burgess list. In the ecclesiastical law of England, a bishop, who is a spiritual judge, is assisted by his chancellor, as the episcopal assessor, and who, in fact, holds courts for the bishop. But in the case of a complaint against a clergyman, for any ecclesiastical
offense under the church discipline act (the 3 and 4 Viet. e. 86), the bishop is directed to inquire into the matter, assisted by the three A., of whom the dean of his cathedral, or one of his archdeacons, or his chancellor, must be one, and a sergeant at law, or an advocate who has practiced five years in the court of the archbishop of the province, or a barrister of seven years' standing, another.
The judges of the common law courts, and the queen's counsel, being sergeants, are, as a condition of their offices, A. of the house of lords, advising the house on points of law which may be propounded to them by their lordships.