Afforcing the Assize Law and Legal Definition
Afforcing the assize refers to an old English law practice. It refers to a method of adding other jurors to the panel of jurors, after the cause had been committed to them, in case they could not agree in a verdict. This method helps to secure a jury verdict from a hung jury either by denying food and drink to the members until they reached a verdict or by bringing in new jurors until 12 would agree. This practice of afforcing the assize was abandoned, because the courts found it would save delay and trouble by insisting upon unanimity.
