The Legal Service & Court Sermon

The annual Legal Service in Oxfordshire has a long-standing tradition, dating back to the sixteenth century when it marked the beginning of the Assizes—the visit of a High Court Judge to handle both criminal and civil cases in the County. The Judge would carry out his duties by virtue of Commissions of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery. The Assizes were held in the Shire Hall, located next to Oxford Prison, with a tunnel connecting the two, allowing prisoners to be brought into the dock directly from their cells.

Until the Courts Act of 1971, which abolished the Assize system—a structure that had been in place since before Magna Carta—the Legal Service was known as the Assize Service. This Service traditionally took place on the first working day of the autumn Assizes, marking the start of the new legal year. It was held in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin on the High Street, with a formal procession to and from the Church. The sermon was delivered by a preacher chosen by the University's Summoner of Preachers, with John Keble's famous 1833 sermon on "National Apostasy"—often regarded as the beginning of the Oxford Movement—being the most notable.

The Oxford Movement, in simple terms, was a religious movement in the 1830s and 1840s that began within the Church of England. It aimed to return the Church to its more traditional roots, emphasising its historical and spiritual connection to the early Christian Church. This movement was a response to what some people saw as the Church of England losing its way, becoming too influenced by politics and drifting from its religious foundation. John Keble’s sermon in 1833 was a powerful call for the Church to reclaim its deeper spiritual identity, and his message sparked this wider movement. Over time, the Oxford Movement led to many changes in the way services were conducted, with a greater focus on ritual and tradition, and it had a lasting influence on Anglican worship.

Although the Assize system was abolished, the tradition of High Court Judges visiting Oxford continues, with their proceedings now taking place in the Crown Court on St Aldate’s. However, the Assize Service itself, in its original form, ceased after 1989. It is now known simply as the Legal Service and is held in Christ Church Cathedral, with the sermon coinciding with the University Sermon for the first week of Michaelmas Term, still delivered by a preacher appointed by the Summoner of Preachers.

A key part of the Legal Service is the Glove Ceremony, a tradition that has its roots in Oxfordshire’s history. The exact origins are uncertain, but one strong link is to the glove-making industry in Woodstock, a market town just north of Oxford. From the late sixteenth century into the nineteenth century, Woodstock was renowned for its glove-making, which became a central part of the town’s economy. The industry flourished during this time, with gloves made from fine leather being in high demand. The craftsmanship was highly regarded across the country, and Woodstock gloves were known for their quality and durability.

The glove-making trade was so important to the town that it is likely this industry influenced the Glove Ceremony tradition. Historically, before legal reforms in the 1820s, a pair of white gloves would be presented to a visiting High Court Judge if no death sentences had been handed down during the Assizes. This evolved into the practice of giving white gloves on any day when there were no cases to try. In Oxford, white gloves are still ceremonially presented to the Judge in Commission by the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the University and by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the City, in the presence of members of the judiciary, the High Sheriff, Heads of Houses, and other dignitaries. The presentation, once held in the Dean’s Drawing Room, has since 2020 been incorporated into the Court Sermon.

Over time, the Legal Service has also come to reflect the modern role of the High Sheriff, whose ceremonial duties focus on supporting the judiciary and the rule of law in Oxfordshire. The High Sheriff takes an active part in the service, attending in full ceremonial attire, accompanied by local dignitaries. The event brings together representatives from across the county—judges, lawyers, academics, civic leaders, and other guests—to acknowledge the importance of justice and the legal system within the community.

A notable highlight in the annual calendar is the High Sheriff’s Law Lecture, which further enhances the link between the legal and academic communities. This year's lecture will be given by The Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder, who will speak on Tuesday, 4th February 2025 at 4:30 pm in the Examination Schools. It promises to be an insightful event, reinforcing the High Sheriff’s ongoing commitment to the promotion of law, order, and public understanding of the legal system.

The annual Legal Service, with its deep-rooted traditions and ceremonial significance, continues to play an important role in the life of the county, serving as a reminder of the enduring importance of justice and the rule of law in Oxfordshire.