In English law, the legal year is the calendar during which the judges sit in court. The year is divided into four terms: Michaelmas from October to December, Hilary from January to April, Easter from April to May and Trinity term from June to July. Between terms the Courts are in vacation and no trials are heard. The dates of the terms are determined in law by a Practice Direction in the Civil Procedure Rules.

Start of the legal year

The legal year commences with a ceremony dating back to the Middle Ages in which the judges arrive in a procession from the Temple Bar to Westminster Abbey for a religious service, followed by a reception known as the Lord Chancellors' breakfast which is held in Westminster Hall. Although in former times the judges walked the distance from Temple to Westminster, they now mostly arrive by car. The service is held by the Dean of Westminster with the reading performed by the Lord Chancellor.

The ceremony has been held continuously since the Middle Ages, with the exception of the years 1940 to 1946 because of World War II. In 1953 it was held in St Margret's Church because Westminster Abbey was still decorated for the Coronation of Elizabeth II.

External links

• Legal year information from judiciary.gov.uk
• Practice Direction setting out term dates