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70
The Fundamental Laws of
Thursday the Fifteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and three.
To call and hold Courts of Assistants.IMPRIMIS it is ordained that the Master and Wardens of the Company of Cutlers for the time being or the greater number of them. Whereof the Master and one of the Wardens for the time being to be always present when and as often as it shall seem meet to them and at such fit and convenient place as they shall think fit and proper for that purpose within the City of London or Suburbs thereof shall or may hold or keep Courts which shall be called Courts of Assistants. And unto which Courts all the Assistants for the time being shall be summoned. At which Courts of Assistants the Master Wardens and Assistants of the said Company for the time being or the major part of them (whereof the Master and one of the Wardens for the time being to be present) shall and may hear all such controversies and debates which shall or may happen concerning the said Trade Art and Mystery or any part thereof or amongst the members thereof touching or concerning the said Trade or Mystery or any part thereof and shall and may there also bind and admit Apprentices to their respective members and make free of their Company such as have served Apprenticeships or otherwise as by the ordinances of this Company they are appointed and shall and may also at such Courts debate hear and order such lawful acts and things which shall at any or times appear to the said Master Wardens and Assistants or the greater part of them fit convenient and lawful touching or concerning the said Trade Art or Mystery or relating thereto or for the better ordering or governing of the same. And the said Master Wardens and Assistants or the greater part of them (whereof the Master for the time being and one of the Wardens to be always present) shall and may yearly and every year keep and hold four Quarter Courts which Quarter Courts shall be held and kept