In English law, the legal year is the calendar during which the judges sit in court. The year is divided into four terms:
Between terms the Courts are in vacation, and no trials are heard. The longest vacation period is between July and October. The dates of the terms are determined in law by a Practice Direction in the Civil Procedure Rules. The Hilary term was formerly from January 11 to 31, during which superior courts of England were open.[1]
The legal year commences at the beginning of October, 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.
The United States Supreme Court follows part of the schedule tradition, albeit without the ceremony. The Court's year-long term commences on the first Monday in October.